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SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION BUREAL' OF ETHNOLOGY 

J. W. POWELL, DIRECTOR 



A COLLECTION 



OF 




G E S T U R E S 1 Cx N S 



AND Sr(JNALS 



NORTH AMERICAN INDIANS 



SOME COMPARISONS 



ItltEVET LIEVT. COL AND FOllilERLY A(ITl\(i CBIEr SKIXAL OFEICEH. U. S AUMY 



DISmrBUTED ONLY TO COLLAHOKATOliS 



. WASHINGTON 

GOVERNMENT l> li I N T I N H OFEKJE 

1880 



A COLLECTION OF GESTURE 8ICXS OF THE NORTH AMEIUCAN 

INIHANS. 



IN-TRODXJCrORY LKTTER. 



Smithsonian Institution. 
Bureau of Ktiinoi,o(tV, 

Wa.shiiigt<»t, D. ('., JiiJi/ 31, l.'^SO. 

To THE COLLABOKATORS WITH THE BUREAU OF ETHNOLOGY IN IIIK StIDV OF 

Sign Language : 

Gentlemen : 

This paper CDiitaiiis the (lescrii)tioiis of tlie jiesture-sioiis of tlie North Aincriean 
Indians which at tlie above date have l)een obtained by this linrean. It will not be 
used for publication in its present shajje, and will \h\ distributed only to those corre- 
spondents who have contributed to its contents, and 1o otliers whose e\pecte(l co-opera- 
tion, the results of which are not yet reci'ived, is relied ujion to idd valne to the tinal 
work. Nodiscussion is now introduced. The descriptions alone, in a tentative arranji'e- 
ment, are presented for the j)uri>ose of the verification of observations, Ibi- verbal 
corrections of every kind, and for the study of all colbiborators, as well as that of the 
editor, to secure accurate classiticat ion and (•oin])arison. ( )nly sucli notes of rescnililance 
or discordance between several of the Indian sij^iis, and between some of them and 
those of deaf mutes, foreii;n tribes of men, and ideouraphic characters, are now ])rinted 
as have already been attachcil to tlie same sij^ns Iti flic com|ii!alion for preliminary 
treatises already produced. It is convenient to retain those in tlie same connection. 
INIaiiy others of the same liind, remaiiiinu' Iti MS. mcnioranda. aic omitted, be<'anse 
their insertion will be moic correctly made alter the jiropcr arraniicmcnt has been 
accomidishcd. Any such, occnrrinu lo collaboratois. will, it is hop<'d. be sn^iuested 
by them in the margin of the picscnt ]iaper wjieii- they may seem to be most ajipro- 
priate. 

The primary object of this paper is that c\ery contrilmtor to it may lie enabled 
to revise his own contribution, which for the jiresent is di\ idcil and arranucd accord- 
injj to a scheme of linj;iiistic families and subordinate lan;;nai;es oi- triltes, as set forth 
in the List of Authorities and Collauorators, which also serves as an index to 



the Vocabulary. It is siipiwsed that tliis nrrangenient will prove the best to stiuly 
the diversities and ajireemeiits of si,mis. Tov that imi.ortaiit objeet it is more eou- 
veuieut that the names of the tribe or tribes among wliieh the si.-iis desci-ibed liave 
been observed shonld catch the eye in immediate connection with the signs, than that 
those of the observers only shonld follow. Some of the latter, indeed, having given 
both similar and ditfering signs for more than one tribe, the use of the contributor's 
name alone would create confusion. To print iu every case the uaiue of the contributor, 
and also the name of the tribe, would seriously burden the paper and be unnecessary 
to the student, th(^ reference being readily made to each authority through the index. 

No contribution has been i)rinted which asserted that any described sign is ns«'<l by 
"all Indians," for the reason that such statement is not admissible evidence unless the 
authoiity had personally examined "all Indians." If any credible correspondent had 
affirmatively stated that a certain identical, or substantially identical, sign had been 
found by him, actually used by Abenaki, Absaroka, Arikara, Assiniboins, etc., going 
through the whole list of tribes, or any deHnite portion of that list, it would have beeu 
so inserted under the several tribal heads. T'.ut the expression "all liulians," besides 
being insusceptible of methodical classification, involves hearsay, which is not the kind 
of authority desired in a serious study. Such loose talk long delayed the recognition 
of anthropology as a science. It is true that some general statements of this character 
are made by some old authors now (pR>ted, but their descriptions are reprinted, as 
being all that can be used of the past, for whatever weight they may have, and they 
are kei)t sejiarate from the linguistic ehissitication. 

Contril)utors will ol)serve that there has been no attempt to change their phrase- 
ology even wluMi it seemed to be defective. Besides the ordinary errors of the press, 
and those that may have crept into the coi)y by mistakes in reading or transcribing 
the written descri])tions, some of the contributors will probably share the common 
experience of surprise at the extent to which details of expression and punctuation, 
when in the severe clearness of print, have altered the shade of meaning as intended 
to be conveyed in their ]MS. The w'ide margins and calendered i)aper will readily 
allow even of recoinposition of sentences when desirable. For this jinrpose, as well as 
several others, this ])aper will be regarded by each correspondent as simply a proof- 
sheet sent directly to himself from the printer, and it will of course be understood that 
a corres])ondent who may make any kind of correction or note ui)on this pai)er will 
return it by mail (as book proof), so annotated, to the undersigned, thereby saving 
corresi)ondence and securing accuracy. It is indeed requested that all coi)ies shall be 
returned whether annotated or not, in order to prevent a ])rofessedly imperfect edition 
from falling into improper hands. It is much regretted that the illustrati(Uis and dia- 
granumitic aids to the descriptions, furnished by most of the contributors, cannot be 
reproduced in this i)aper, so that their accuracy also might be determined, but the 
cost of such illustrations cannot be incurred at this time and for this purjiose. The 
" Outlines for Arm Positions " and " Types of Hand Positions " were provided for from 
the appropriation for this Bureau, but its amount does not admit of sucli an under- 
taking as now in question. In this connection it may be mentioned that the descrip- 
tions frequently refer to illustrations furnished by the coutributors or to the "Out- 
lines" and " Types," and these references are retained in print. As all the contributors 
reiiu-mber their own illustrations, etc.. the references will be intelligible to themselves, 



thongli luifortmiatfly not always ti> otireis who iiiiuht w isli to ciiniiiari' tln'iii with tlieir 
illustrations. 

Tiie ascertainiiient of tlic conccptioiis or oiii;iii of tin- several si^ns, eiiilinilN iiij; 
as tlit'v do, many sociolouie, iiiytliologie, and other elhiiouia]>liie ideas, is of si)eeial ini- 
liortance. When those obtained throuj;'li eollalioiatois are iiriiited in the \'oCA]Ui.AUV 
before the authority, they are to be understood to have lieen j^athered from an Indian 
as being his own eouception. ^Vhen printed attei' the authority and within (|noialion 
marks, they are in the words of the collaborator as olferecl by himself. When jiriiited 
after the authority ami without (luotation maiks, they are suggested at this IJureau. 
All should be ecjually criticised and sni)])lemented, and any error in jjrinting the 
authority for the conceptions corrected. It has sometimes been iinpossible to decide 
whether the correspondent intended to give them as his own or as from an Indian. 
The iniportancee of an Indian's eoneeption is so mneli greater than aii\ otiiei' tiiat the 
fact should be made clear. 

The margins will also allow of additions to all contributions, whether from inter- 
vening indeiiendent research or as suggested b_\- any ])art ol' the material collected. 
This work being on the co-operative princijile, it is not sujiposed that jealousies or 
questions of i)recedeiu'e w ill arise, and each contributor will be credited w itli I hi- amount 
of capital ad\'anee(l for tiie common stock. It is highly (lesirabl(> that the signs as 
described by each should be eom|)ared by him with those of others, and notes of coin- 
cidence or discrepancy made. I'erhaps, in some instances, the signs as described by 
one of the other contriljutors may l)e recogni/.ed as intended for the same sign for the 
same idea or object as that of the correspondent, and the foiiner may prove to be the 
better description. The itersonal habitude of some individual in an,\ tribe, and still 
more fre(piently the usage or "fashion" of ditferent tribes, amy, by a peculiar abbre- 
viation or fanciful flourish, have induced a differentiation in descrii)tion with no real 
distinction either in concei)ti()n or essential formation. ^Vll collaborators will there- 
fore be candid in admittiiig, shoidd such cases occur, that their own descriptions are 
mere unessential variants from others printed, otherwise adhere to their own and 
explain the true distinction. When the deserii)tions show substantial identit.v, they 
will in the final publication be united, with a c(unbined reference to all the authorities 
giving' them, as they are in some cases of those taken at Washington in the present 

VOCABtLAKY. 

It will probably be also noticed that a sign described will ha\e the same actually 
substantive formation as some other in the VocABrLAiiY wiiich is statc(l to be with a 
signification so markedly distinguished as to be insusce|)tible of classilication as a 
.sjnonyni. It will then be imi)ortant for each contributor of the rival signs to icfresh 
his memory as to accuracy of description or significance, or both, and to announce his 
deci.siou. No error is necessarily involved. It will be very remarkable if jirecisely 
the same sign does not i)rove to be used by difl'erent persons or liodies of iieojile with 
wholly distinct signitications. the gra])hic forms for objects and ideas being much more 
likely to be coincident than sound is for simihir expressions, yet in all oral languages 
the same precise sound is used tor utterly diverse meanings. Tiie tirst eoncei)tion of 
many objects must be the same. It has been tbiind, indeed, that the honH)i(hony ol Woids 
and the honiomorphy of ideograi)hic pictures is noticeable in ojiposite signitications, 
the conceptions ai-ising from the opposition itself. The ditferentiation in portraiture or 
accent is a subserpient and renie<lial stej) taken only alter the contusion has been 



,„.... u .iU W ... ab..on..ity n. h. im.es.. ^ - ^^ ^'^^ ^,^ ,^,^,,, ,, ,,n as 

^'*'"'^ ^'"' 'T'"^' ?"■;;: r'lS ^ ^n^- he i..quiry i« ..ot what a .i.o .....ht, 
,vonls, a......als, a.,d .ants. 1" ""^ ^.„.^^.^^, ^ paitic.lar u.eaniug, but what 

::-;:=r;i;;r-r;;^l:;:;S^ 

\v„„hl 1... hi.uhls iiiteitsr.ii^ i .j^ research would 

varieties i„ si,..s their roots u.ay .till be tbund to >--;;;- ^^^^^/^^l^l^^^^j^^ 
sible that the dis,.repa,.cy betwee.. s,g,.s was tor,..e.l> -^^'^ _^ ^^'^ ^ tibes it has 
• 1 , . tini wh.>ie ■! si"ii laimua£;e is now touiid aiiioiiji liidiaii uioes n u.i 

S.V :: heh- .;:iibr,..;tya,..o.,. .roups ot people who ^ou, -y -- -^ --;^ 

into contact with each other while still speakin, -«--' V^^'S^r w U e^ u ' 
closer such contact, while no co.i.n.on tongue is adopted, the gieatei « 1 Uc u 

firmitv of si'^s 1 collectio.. was obtai..ed last spring at Washington trom a un.ted 
^W^ion f he it. .^a Co.na.iche, Apache, and Wichita t.ibes, which was nearly 
li^bi;; inlt t;-".^ivid..:.s who gave the signs had act..ally »-<l,-;;;: ^ ^^ K S 
\nularko India.. Territory, for a considerable tune, and the resulting unitoii..it> 
u" s ^ , d ei h..r beVonsidered as a Ja.gon or as the natural tc.dency o aco,n- 
;:;i;• .r ILut.-a, un<lersta..di.,g-the ..nihcation so often ol^served n. ora^ ^JJ. , 
co,..ing u,.der many circu.i.stances out ot Ibrn.er .Utterent.at.on. / ^ ^ '^J^™ 
other h.dividuals of those sa.ne tribes who have from any cause not In ed in the luno.i 
X i 1. n. V have signs for the sa.ne ideas different from those in the collection alo e 
.u!;!;^;;;:l. imt this s,;posit,on shou,d be disrega..ded, except to i--^f ^^ ^^^^^ 
until such in.piirv shouUl collect specitic facts to s.ipport the hypothesis. The Nho e 
t is ^...tro •er.;v may be disposed of by i..sisti..g npo.. an objective instead ot a sub- 
ec v^^Wrvation and study! 0..r duty is to collect the facts as t^'ey^.^e -d so soon 
.s nossible as every year will add to the confusion ami difficulty. After the facts are 
;;tnblhh!^?hJ theories will take eare of themselves, and their Ib.al euunc.at.o.. will 
be in the hands of ...en nu.re eo.npetent than a..y of us, perhaps than any persons 

""rwlmdn. seen.s necessary sb.ce the pnblicat.on of an article in tl- J'-';^-'; ;;*^ 
a United Serviee" for July. 188(., in which theauthor takes the grou.id thatthe dcsuip- 



5 

tiou of sinus sliDiilil l)c iiindc ;K-c(inliin;' to a •• iiicaii " or average Tlicre can lie no 
jtliilosopliic consideiation ol' si^ns accordinu' to a •• mean " oT olyscrvations. 'I'lic 
filial olijt'ct is to ascertain tlic radical or essential jtart as distinct froin any iiidi\idual 
rioiiiisli or inannci'sMi on the one hand, and Ironi a con\entional or accidental alilire- 
viation on the otiier : Init a mere aveia,t;(' w ill not accomplisli this object. If the hand, 
lieiiig ill any position \vhate\er, is, accordinu' to li\c oliservatioiis, nioxed horizon- 
tally one loot to tiie riulit, and, accordinii' to li\e other observations, ino\ed one foot 
horizontally to the lett, the "inean" or resnltant will l)e that it is stationary, which is 
not ill any way correspondinji' with any of tiic ten observations. So if six obser\a- 
tioiis yive it a rapid motion ot' one foot totlie rii^lii and tixeaiapid motion of the 
same distance to the left, the mean or resultant would lie somewhat dillicull to express, 
but i)erliaps would be a slow nio\'ement to the ri^lit for an inch or two, ha\in.i>' 
certainly no resemblance either in essentials or accidents to any of the si,i;iis actually 
observed. In like manner the tail of the written letter ''//" (which, re.uardiii};' its mere 
t'orniation, mialit be a jirai)hic sij;n) nia\ lia\<', in the cliiro<;rai)liy of several iiersons, 
various decrees of slant, may be a straight line or looped, and may be curved on either 
.side ; but a •' mean " taken from several manuscripts would leave the unfortunate letter 
without any tail wliatexer, or travestied as a " »" with an amori)lioils flourish. .V 
detinition of the radical form of the letter or si;^n by which it <-aii be distin;;'uished 
from any other letter or siun is a very ditferent proceediiiL;. Tlicrefore, if a "mean" 
or resultant of any number of radically diltcrent siuns to express tlie same object or 
idea, (diserved either anions several individuals of the same tribe or amonn- ditferent 
tribes, is made to re]n'esent tho.se sis;iis, they are all mutilated or iunored as distinctive 
signs, thoujih the result may ])Ossibly lie made intclli^;ii>le in ]Maclicc, accordin.y to 
princi))les mentioned in the "Intidduction to the StudyofSinn Lanj;iia,i;e""of the iirescnt 
writer; and still another view may l)e added, that because a sound of broken l-^nulish 
may be understood by an iiitcllij,'ent iMinlislinrau it is no jiroof of that sound beiiiu an 
En;L;lisli word or a word of any laiiKuatie. The adoption of a •• mean" may be practi- 
cally useful in the formation of a mere inti'ipreter's jarjiou, thoui;!' no one can use it 
but himself or those who memorize it from him, but it eineidates no pri]ici])le. It is 
also practically convenient for any one <letermined to aruiie for the uniformity and 
universality of ,si<;n-lan;;iia;4e as aicainst the variety apparent in all the realms of 
nature. On the "mean" iiriiiei])le, he only needs to take his two foot rule and aritli- 
mefical tables and make all signs his signs and his signs all signs. Of course they arc 
uniform, because he has made them .so after the brutal example of rrix-rustes. 

In this connection it is ])roper to urge another warning, that a mere sigiitalker is 
often a bad authority uiion ))rinciples and theories. He amy not be liable to the satir- 
ical coin])liment of l>ickeus's •• lirave courier," who •• nnderstond all languages indilVer- 
eiitly ill " ; but many men speak some one language llnently, and yet are wholly unable 
to explain or analyze its words and forms so as to teach any one else, or even to give 
an intelligent summary or classification of their own knowh'dge. What such a sign- 
talker has learned is by memorizing, as a child may learn ICnglish, and though lioth 
the sign-talker and the child may be able to give some separate items useful to a jihi- 
lologist or foreigner, such items are spoiled when colored by the atleni|)t of ignorance 
to theorize. A (ierinan who has studied ICiiglish to thorough mastery, exce|)t in the 
mere facility of s])eecli, may in a discussion upon some of its |)iinciples be contradicted 
by any mere English speaker, who insists upon his superior knowledge because he 
actually speaks the language and his antagonist does not. but the student will probably 



be correct and tlie talli(.T wion^. It is an old adage about oral speech that a man who 
understands but one lany;uaj;e understands none. The science of a sign-talker jws- 
sessed l).v a restrictive theory is like that of Mirabcau, who was greater as an orator 
than as a philologist, and who on a visit to England gravely argued that there was 
something seriously wrong in the British mind i)ecaMse the people would insist upoJi 
saying "give me some bread" instead of " donnez moi du pain," which was so much 
easier and more natural. A designedly ludicrous instance to the same eii'ect was 
Hood's arraignment of tiie French bcc'ause they called their mothers "mares" and 
their daughters " lillies." Xot binding ourselves to theories, we should take with cau- 
tion any statement from a person who, having memorized or ha.shed up any number 
of signs, large or small, has dcciiled in his conceit that those he uses are the only 
genuine siim)n-pure, to be exclusively employed according to his direction, all others 
being counterfeits or blunders. His vocabulary has ceased to give the signs of any 
Indian or body of Iiulians whatever, but becomes the vocabulary of Dr. .Jones (5r Lieu- 
tenant Smith, the proi)rietorshii) of which he tights for as did the original Dr. Townsenrt 
for his ])atent medicine. ^V hen a sign is contributed by one of the present collabora- 
tors, which such a sign-talker has not before seen or heard of, he will at once condemn 
it as bad, just as a United States Minister to Vienna, who had been nursed in the 
mongrel Dutch of Berks County, Pennsylvania, declared that the people of (lermany 
sjwke very bad Gernum. The expericaice of the present editor is that the original 
authorities, or the best evidence, for Indian signs — /. e., the Indians themselves — 
being still accessible, the collaborators in this work should not be content with 
secondary authority. White sign-talkers and interpreters may give some genuine 
signs, but they are very apt to interpolate their own inventions and deductions. By 
gathering the genuine signs alone we will be of use to scholai-s, and give our own stud- 
ies proper direction, while the true article presented can always be adulterated into a 
com])osite Jargon by those whose ambition is only to be sign-talkers instead of making 
an honest contriljution to ethnologic and philologic science. The few direct contri- 
butions of interpreters to the present work are, it is believed, valuable, because they 
were made without expression of self-conceit or symptom of possession by a pet theory. 
So lar as oidy concerns the able gentlemen who have favored this Bureau with 
their contributions there is no need to continue these remarks. Suttice it to repeat 
with more emphasis, that their criticisms and suggestions are invited as to all matter 
herein contained, even to the details of grouping and title-words in the alphabetic 
arrangement, synonyms, and cross references. In the present private and tentative 
work many humlreds of separate slips of ])aper are for the tirst time conuected together, 
thereby rendering perfect order unexpected. It may be mentioned that some of the 
title-words and i>hrases which have a fpmiut ajjpcarance are those used by the older 
l)rinted authorities, tor which it is not always safe to supply a synonym, ami the signs 
of those sairu^ authorities being tlic most curtly and obscurely described of all in the 
collecrtion, there is no alternative but to ])rint thiMii as they stand for such use as nuiy 
be possible, which will ehielly lie ui their bearing upon the (juestions of persistency and 
universality. The present edition will allow the xcrbal expressions of the living and 
accessible to be revised and to be eomjiarcd with, thus perhaps to correct the imper- 
fectious of deserijitions made liy the dead and inaccessible; but the language of the 
latter cannot now be <hangcd. The arrangement of the Vocabulary is more to 
group the concepts than the lOnglish title-words according to the synonyms of that 
language. A fuither step in the study will be to prepare a synoptic arraugemeut of 



I 



tli(> siffiis tlii'inselves — that is, of motions and positions of tlio sa ■Iiaiactcr apart 

from their indiviilual siunilii'ancc in anv oral spvccli. 

Tlic lu'arty tiianks of tliis I'.nrcan arc rcmU'icd to all its collahoratois. and will in 
futnre he i)resi'nt('d in a manner more worthy of them. It remains to ;;i\c to them an 
explanation of the mode in which a laryc collection of sijiiis has been made in Wash- 
ington. Fortnnately fortius nndertakini;, (he policy of the jiovernment has loon^^ht 
here, during tlie last winter and spring, delegations, sometimes (piilc huge, of most of 
the important trilies. Tlins the most intelligent of the race from the most distant and 
tarthcst separated localities were here in considerable nnmber.s for weeks, and indeed, 
ill some cases, months, and, together with their interpreters and agents, were, by tiie 
considerate order of the honorable Secretary of the lnt<'rior, placed at the disi)osal of 
this ISnrean for all pnrposes of gatheiing etlinologi(- information. The facilities thus 
obtained were miicli greater than could lia\-c l)ccn enjoyed by a large luimber of observ- 
ers traveling for a long time over the continent for the sanu; express purpose. The 
observations relating to signs were all made here by the same jiersons, according to a 
uniform method, in which the gestures were obtained diicclly from the Indians, and 
their meaning (olten in itself clear from the context of signs l)cfore known) was trans- 
lated sometimes through the medium of Knglish or Spanish, or an aboriginal language 
known in conunou by some one or more of the Indians and by some one of the observ- 
ers. When an interi>rcter was employed, he translated the words used iiy an Indian, 
and was iH)t relied upon to explain the signs according to his own ideas. Such transla- 
tions and a description of minute and rapidly-executed signs, dictated at the moment 
of their exhibition, were sometimes taken down by a plionogiai)her, that there might 
be no lai)se of meniory in any particular, and in many cas(?s the signs were made in 
successive motions before tlu^ camera, and prints secured as certain e\idenee of their 
accuracy. Xot only were more than one hundred Indians thus examined individually, 
at leisure, but, on occasions, .several of dirterent tribes, who had never before met each 
other, were examined at the same time, both by impiiry of individuals whose answers 
were consulted ui)oii by all the Indians i)reseiit, and al.so by inducing several of the 
Indians to engage in talk and storytelling in signs between theiiise.\cs. Thus it was 
possible to notice the difference in the signs made for the same objects and the degree 
of mutual comprehension notwithstanding such ditferences. Similar studies were made 
by taking the Indians to the National Deaf Mute College and bringing them in contact 
w itli the pupils. 

By far the greater part of the actual work of the observation and record of the 
signs obtained at Washington has l)ecu ably ])crformed by Dr. W. J. Hoffman, the 
assistant of the present editor. Dr. Ilotfman acqnired in the West, tlirongli his scr\ ice 
as acting assistant surgeon, Initecl States Army, at a large reseixatioii, tlu; indis])eu- 
sable advantage of becoming acquainted w itli the Indian characler so as to conduct 
such researches as that in question, and in aiblition has the e.\c and pencil of an artist, 
so that he catches readily, describes with physiohigical accuracy, and reproduces in 
action and in permanent illustration all shades of gesturiM'xhibited. It is therefore 
believed that the collection made here will lie valuable for comparison with and to 
supi)lemeiit those obtained during the same months in the held. 

1 remain, with renewed otlicial and personal thanks ami much regard. 
Sincerely your friend, 

C.AIMMCK .M.VLLHKV. 



NOTE SPECIALLY ADDRESSED To COKItESPONDENTS IN FOREIGN COUNTRIES. 

Tlic ])n's<'iil |i:i|)<'r is ;i rmllicr sic|i in llic uciiciiil line <>l ivseaich iiidicatccl in the 
•' IntriMlnction to Ihc Study of Sij;n Ijiniuiiauc anionji' tiic North AniciiiMU Indians," 
v^ic, in wliii'li tin' .sln<l,v of these sij^ns was snuuested as important to illustrate the i;est- 
nrospeeeh of mankind. Its <'ont<'nts may lie useful to collaborators iu all parts of the 
world, both to facilitate descriiilion by annotated reference and in .suujii'stion as rejjards 
modes of obserxatiou. It may also j;i\i' assurance of thoiouj;li and painstakinji' work 
at this Hiireau for the linal collation, in the form of a vocabulary, of all authentic sijjiis, 
ancient and modern, found in any part of the world, with their descrijition, as also that 
of associated facial exjiression, set forth in lanuuage so clear that, with the assistance 
of cojtions illustrations, they can be icprodiu'cd by the reader. The success of this 
uiidertakiiif'- will <lc|ietul upon the collaboration, now and before reipiested, of many 
l)ersons of sexcral classes. The jiresent paper shows that ariaiijienients liave already 
been made probably suHicient to procure all the jiesture-sif>ns of the aboriginal tribes 
of this country which can still be r.'scued from oblivion. The conventional sij^ns of 
deaf-mutes in institutions for tlicir instruction are accessible to the present writer, who 
also has obtained a lar^e nundier of the natural sij;iis of (U'afniutes invented by them 
belbie systematic instruction, and used in intercourse with their families and friends. 
More of these would, howexcr, be uladly received. I'nrther assistance is urgently 
souj;ht from pliiloloi^ists. tiavelers, and missionaries, whose attention has been directed 
to the several nuidcs of expressin;;' human thought. 

The etforts at intcrcomnuinicatiou of all savage and barbaric tribes, when biouiiht 
into contact with othei- bodies of men not speakinj;' an oral laujjim.iie conunon to both, 
and esix'cially when uneiv ili/.ed inhabitants of the same territory are separated by 
man> linjinistic divisions, should in theory resemble thoilevieesof the North American 
Indians. They are not shown by published works to jirevail iu the Easti'rn hemis])here 
to the sanu' extent and iu the sanu' manner as in North, and also, as believed from 
less complete observation, iu iSouth America It is. however, probable that they 
exist iu many localities, though not reported, aiul also that some of them survive after 
partial or even liij;h civilization has been attauied, and after ehanj;ed environment has 
rendered theii- systematic- emiiloyment unnecessary. 8ueh sijins may be, lirst, uneou- 
neeted with existini;' oral lanjiuane, and used in place of it ; second, nniy be used to 
explain or accentuate the words of ordinary speech, or may consist of gestures, emo- 
tional or not. which are only noticed in oratory or impassioned conversation, such 
being, ]iossil)ly, survivals of a tbrnier gesture language. 

All classes of gestures may be examined iihilologically to trace their possible con- 
nection with the radicals of language, syllabaries, and ideographic charactiMs. Evi- 
dence has accnmnlaled to show that the language of signs preceded iu ini|)ortance that 
of sounds, the latter remair.ing itnlimentary long after gesture had become an art. 
The early connection between them was so intimate that gestures, in the wide sense of 
presen ting ideas under] ill Nsieal forms, hail a forma tiveetfect niKin many words, thus show- 
ing that language originated partly, at least, from the sounds which naturally accompany 
certain gestures. It seems certain that the latter exhibit the earliest condition of the 
human mind, and that mainly through them was signiticance communicated to speech. 
Even if the more material and substantive relations between signs and language 
cannot now be ascertained, we may at least expect, from the iinpiiries suggesteil, lin- 



fjiiistic results ill tlif ;in;il(>;;\ hcl ween tlicir sc\ cral (Icvcloiiiiiciits. 'I'lic iim-iiI;i1 jiro- 
ccsscs arc iicMilv the same In liutli cases, and tlic |(sy<tliol<>}i.V <'•' l:iiij;na;;c may 1)0 
studied in tlic older and lower means of coijiiniiiiicatioii as tlie. jiliysical and mental 
oipinizatioii of man lias been jirolitahly coiniiarcd witli tliat of tlie lower animals. 
Tlie exaniinalion of sij;iis and ol" pictnrc-wiitinf,'', wliicli is intimately assoi-iated with 
tlicm, throws li^ht upon (lie ^rainmatie, macliineiy of lany:iia};(?, the, syntaetie, jirin- 
cijile, and the };ciicsis ol' the sentcniH!. Not until a lar^e, liody of facts has lieen feath- 
ered by several classes of oliseivers, and eompared by compi'tent scholars, can it be 
jiossible to as(^ertaiii with precision the principles of Ihc piimitive iitteranecr of man- 
kind. An e\liaiistive treatment of the subject will also briii;;' to li;;ht reli.<,'ious, socio- 
loiiic, and ol her ethnologic; information of spccaal inter(!st. It is in this work that the 
Unreal I of iOtlinolo;;\\ of the .Smitlis<iiiian I list it ill ion solicits the co ojieratioil of learned 
men and obserxcrs in all lands, whose contributions, when received, will always bo 
published with individual cre(lil as well as resixuisibility. 

(;. .M. 



LIST .OF AUTHOIilTlliS AND CdLLABuRATORS. 



1. A list prcicacil \>y William Dinhar, (hncil Naiclic/. .lime .id, I, siio, collected 
from tribes tlii'ii " west of tlieAIissi.ssippi," lint proliiihly not fnim those \civ far west of 
that river, published in tiie Transactions of tiie American I'liilosopliical Society, vol. 
vi, as read ,lannar\- 1(>. ISOl, and commnnicaled by Tliomas Jelferson, jiresidcnt of the 
society. 

2. The one published in "An Account of an i;\]iciliti(Mi Ironi I'ittsbnVKh to the 
Rocky ^Mountains, perlbnned in the years l.SI'.l-l.si'O. I!y oniei- ol' the lion. .f. C. Cal- 
houn, Secretary of War. under the eomniand of AlaJ. S. II. L().\(i,of the luiited States 
Topoj^raphical Engineers.'" I'hihuh'lphia, l.S2.i. (Commoidy called .lames' Long's Ex- 
pedition.) This appears to have been collected chiefly by Mr. T. Say, from the I'ani, 
aud the Kansas, Otos, Missouris, lowas, Omahas, and other southern bran(;hes of the 
great Dakota family. 

'^. The one collected liy Prince AlAXHriLLVN von \ViKi)-Xi;r\viKi)in IS.W-'.'U. Ilis 
statement is "the Arikaras, ;\landans, Minnitarris (llidatsa|. Crows |.\bsaroka|, Chey- 
eiines, Snakes [Shoshoni J, aud l;lacl<feet [Sa(sika| all understand certain si,t;ns, which, 
on the contrary, as we aie told, are uuintelligil)le to the Dakotas, Assiniboins, Ojibwas, 
Krihs [Crees], and other nations. The list gi\es examples of the sign language of the 
former." Fiom the much greater proportion of time spent and injbrmation obtained by 
the author among the Mandans aud Ilidatsa t hen aud now dwelling near I-'ort Herthold, 
on the Cpper Missouri, it luigiit be safe to consider that all the signs in his list were in 
fact procured from those tiibes. liut as the author does not say so, he is not made to 
say so in this work. If it shall provi' that the signs now used by the -Mandans and 
Hidatsa more closely resend)le those on iiis list than do those of other tribes, the inter- 
ual evidence will be verified. This list is not imblished in the English edition, but 
appears iu the German, Coljlenz, I8.'i!), and in the French, I'aris, 1S4(I. IJibliographic 
reference is often made to this distinguished explorer as"l'riiice Maximilian," as if 
there were but oiu' possessor of that christian name among ]irincely families. For 
brevity the reference in this paper will be '• Wicil.'' 

No translation of this list into I'^nglish appears to have been ]iiiuted iu any shajie 
before that recently jiublished liy the present editor iu the American Anti(piarian, vol. 
ii, No. 3, while the (iermaii ami F'reuch editions are costly and ditlicult of access, so 
the collection cannot readily be comjiared by observers with the signs now made by 
the same tribes. The translation now presented is based upon the (Jerman original, 

II 



12 

hill ill ;i few ciist's when' I lie hiii-iKiuc was so iniil as not to <jivt' a I'lcar idea, was col- 
lati'il witli tliP Fifiicli edition of tlic succivdiiif;- year, wliit-li, from some internal evi- 
dence, appears to liave been imliiislied witli tlie assist;inee or siii)ervisioii of the aiitlior. 
Many of llie deseriptioiis aic, iiowever, so brief and indeliiiite in both tlieir German and 
Freiieli forms that they necessarily remain so in the jiresent transhition. The inineely 
exi)h»rer, with tlie iveeii diseriminalion shown in all his work, doubtless observed what 
has escaped many reeeiil leporlers of altori^iiial sij;ns. that the latter depend miieli 
iiiore upon motion than nier(> position — and art- generally larj;!' and free — seldom 
niiniite. His object was to express the j;iMieral ell'cct of the motion rather than to 
describe it so as to allow of its accurate reproduction by a reader who had never seen 
it. For the latter purpose, now very desirable, a more elaborate description would 
have been necessary, ami even that would not in all cases have been suftiefrnt without 
pictorial illustration. 

On account of the manifest importance of determiniiiji- the prevalence and persist- 
ence of the siuns as observed half a century ago, an exception is made to the f>eueral 
arran};ement hereafter mentioned by introducinji after the Wied si>;iis, remarks of col- 
laborators who liavc made special comparisons, and addinj; to the latter the respective 
names of those eollabmators— as (.l/((/?/((7f.v)-(/>'('^e/«-). It is hoped that the work of 
these gentlemen will be imitated not only reuardiui;- the ll'/o/ siuns but many others. 

I. Tliat of Cajit. K. F. IU'KIHiX, of sij;ns which, it would be inferred, were collected 
in lSti(>-'(ll from the tribes met or learned of by him on the overland stage route, 
includiiii; Southern Dakotas, I'tes, Shoshoni, Arai>ahos, Crows, Pani. and Apaches. 
This is contained in ••The ("ity of the Saints," New York, ISlL'. 

Information is recently reeei\ fd to the etfect that this collection was not made by 
the distiiiiiuishcd English explorer from his jicrsonal observation, but was obtained l\v 
him from one man, a .Moriiuiii bisho|(. who, it is feared, i;a\e his own ideasof the usage 
of signs rather than_ their simple desi'iiption. 

.">. A list read l>y Hr. D. (i. M.vtHU)\v.\N, at a meeting of the American Fthiudogical 
Society. Jan. L'.'?, ISiid, and jmblished in the " Historical .^lagazine." vol. x, ISOii. p. St)-S7, 
purporting to be the signs of the ("addos, ^Vichitas, and Comanches. 

(>. A communication from lUevet t'ol. l\iciiAKt> 1. Dudue. Lieutenant-l'olonel 
Twenty-third Infantry. Inited States Army, author of "The Plains of the Great 
West and tlieir Inhabitants." iS;e., relating to his large experience with the Indians of 
the prairies. Colonel Dodge, now on active ilnty. has been requested to assign his 
general dosiiii>tions to the tribe or tribes in w hieh the signs were actually observed by 
hiin.and should such designation arrive, while the \'oc-VHi L.VKV is passing through the 
pivss, they will be classitied accordingly. He is also preparing a larger contribution. 

N or 1 f E . 

In the six collections aboxe mentioiu'd the generality of the statements as to 
locality of the observatiiui and use of the signs, rendered it imi)Ossible to arrange 
them in the maiinerexplained in the •■ Introductorv Letter" hereto. They will therefore 
be referred to in the \'i>('Aiu i.au\ by the names of the authors responsible for them. 
Those which now toUow ar>' arranged alphabetically by tribes, under headings of Lin- 
guistic Families, which are also given below in alphabetical order. Exami)le: The 
tirst authority is under the heading An;i>Nivi.VN, and, concerning only the Arapaho 
tribe, is referred to as {Ariipdko 1). Lieutenant Lk.MLV being the personal authority. 



References to iinotluT title wont as cxiilMiniiii; a iiait of a (lcsiii|iii(iii or to siipplN any 
other portions ol' a i-oiii|ioiui(l siyn will always Ik- iindcrstood as licin;; niatli- to the 
tleserii)tion hy the same authority of the siyii under tlie otlier titlcwoid. i^xaiiiple : 
In the siffn for AH^JIIKT :iii«l IScfrcat (Mnnilati and Ilidtitsa I) the reference to 
Bnttic is to that si^ii lor lt:it<l(' wliicli is coiitrihnted by Dr. M A iMii-.ws. and is 
referred to nndi'r that title as [Mnndaii (mil Ilidatsa I). 

AI.(;<iMClAN. 

Artipahd 1. A contrilMition fioni l.ienl. 11. It. l,]•;Ml,^ . 'fhird I niled Stales Aililjery, 
conii)iled from notes and oliservations taken li,\ liini in 1S77 anioni; tlie Nurllieni Ai'ii- 
pabos. 

Chci/ciiitf 1. A list picpared in .Inly, fsT'.i. liy Mr. I'uank 11. Ci siii.NC, of the 
Smithsonian lirstitnlion. trom eontinned inter\ lews w itli 'i'l iiiikkmAtski (Cros.s Eyes), 
an intelligent ( heyenne. then t>ii)plo\cd at that Institution. It is expected that Mr. 
Cirshinj; will make other contrdmtions, especially trom the '/.uui and other I'uelilos, 
among whom he has lieen colle<-t ini; material durinu the past year. 

Clii't/ciuif II. A sjx-eial eont rilmtion with diauiams from .Mr. I!k.n ('1..VIIK, scout and 
interpreter, of signs c(>ll<M-ted trom the ( heyennes dnriiiu his Ion-;- residence among that 
tribe. 

Ojihira I. The small collection of .1. (i. KdUi., made about the miildle of the pres- 
ent ('entury, among the Ojibwas arouiul Lake Sujierior. I'ublished in his '• Kitchigaiiii. 
Wanderings around Lake Superior,"' London. IsHd. 

OJibira 11. Notes from \'cry l!cv. 1Ci)\vai;i) .lA(Kj;if. I'ointe St. Iguaee, .Mich., 
resi)ecting the OJibwa. 

Ojiliirn 111. A eoniinuni<-ation from L'ev. .r\:\ii;s A. (iii.l-ii.l.AN, White Ivirth, .Minn., 
rehiting to signs observed among the Ojibwas dm ing his long period ol' missionary duty, 
still continuing. 

Ojlhn-a IV. A list fr Mr. r>. (). WtM.rvMS, Sr., of Owo.s.so, ]\lich., from recollec- 
tion of signs observed among tiie <)iili\vas of Michigan sixty year. ago. 

.SV((, Fii.v, (iiiil Kickinxiii I. .\ list fiiim i;e\-. II. I". l'>i(ic.M;fJ, 1). I)., of ICufaula, hid. 
T., consisting chicliy of tribal signs observed by him among the Sae and I'ox. Kic'ka- 
poos, iSie., during the early i)art of the \ear bSSd. 

DAKOTAN. 

Ahsarol-K I. A list of .signs obtained from I )i;KKiTSiiis (Pretty Eagle), Etsiiidi- 
KAHOTSIIKI (Long I'ilk), and ri'.iJi'isiiiKADiA (Old Crow), iiu'inbcrs of a delegation of 
Absaroka or Crow Indians from Montana Territory, who \isiled Washington, I). C, 
during the months ol .\]iril and .May. issti. 

iMikotd I. .V comiircheusive list, arranged with great caic and skill, from Dr. 
Charles E. .McCiii'..sm:\. acting assistant surgeon. Inited States .\rmy. of signs 
collected among the Dakotas (Sioux) near Fort licuriett, Dakota, during the last 
winter and s]iriiig. Dr. .McCiiks.vkv re(piests that recognition should be made of the 
valuable assistance reiulered to him by .Mr. Wii.i.iAM I'ii'.i.i)i;.N. the interpreter at 
Cheyenne Agency, Dakota Territory. 

Jkikotct II. A short list from Dr. I'.i.au; D. Tavi,i>i;, assistant suigeon. Iiiited 



14 

States Ariiiv. Inim recolU'ctiori of si.uii.s observed auioiiii the Sioux tUiriiifi his late 
serviee in the re,i;:ioii iiihabite<l by tliat tribe. 

/)((/.-.>^( III. A si>eeial eoiitiibiitioii from Capt. A. W. CoRLiSS, Eighth United 
States Infantry, of signs observed by iiiiu during Ui.s hite service among the Sioux. 

Dakota IV. A eopious eontribution with diagrams from Dr. \Yillia.m H. Corbu- 
SIKK, assistant surgeon, I'nited States Army, of signs obtained from tlie Ogalahi Sioux 
at Tine Kidge Ageney, Dakota Territory, during l.S7<t-"S(). 

Dakoia V. A rei)ort of Dr. W. J. Hoffman, from observations among the Tetou 
Dakotas \vhiU» aetiiig assistant surgeon, United States Army, and stationed at Grand 
Kiver Ageney, Dakota, (hiring ISTl'-TS. 

Dakota \'l. A list of signs obtained from I'KZHI (Grass), chief of the iJlaekfoot 
Sioux; Xazulatanka (Big Head), chief of the Upper Yanktonais; and TsniTOUAKiA 
(Thunder Hawk), chief of the rncpa|)as, Tetou Dakotas, located at Stauding Kock, 
Dakota Territory, wiiile at Washington, D. C, in June, 18S0. 

Dakota VII. A list of signs obtained from SntJNGKA LtJTA (Red Dog), au Ogalala 
chief from the lied Cloud Agency, who visited Washington in company with a large 
delegation of Dakotas in June, 1SS(». 

Eidatxa 1. A list of signs obtained from TsilESHACHAnACHiSH (Leau AVolf), 
chief of the Hidatsa, hx-ated at Fort Berthold, Dakota Territory, while at Washing- 
ton, D. C, with a delegation of Sioux Indians in June, 1S80. 

Mandan and llidatna 1. A di.scrimiuating aud illustrated contributiou from Dr. 
Wasiunoton Matthews, assistant surgeon, Uuited States Army, author of '•Ethnog- 
raphy and Philology of the Hidatsa Indians,'' &e.. lately prepared from his notes and 
recollections of signs observed during his long service among the Mandan and Hi- 
datsa Indians of the Upper Missouri. 

Omaha I. A sjiecial list from Rev. J.Owkn DoKsev. missiouary at Omaha Agency, 
Nebraska, from observations lately made l)y him at that agency. 

Oto I. Au elaborate list, with diagrams, from Dr. W. C. Hoteler, United States 
Indian .service, collected from the ()to.s at the Oto Ageucy, Nebraska, during 1879-80. 

Oto and Missouri I._ A similar (•ontiilnitioii by the same author resi)ecting tlie signs 
of the Otos and Missouris. of Nebraska, collcctetl iliiring the winter of 187!l-"80. in the 
description of niaiiy of which he has been joined by !Miss Katie Barxes. 

Fonka I. A short list from Rev. J. ()\vi;\ DdiJSKV, lately obtained by him from 
the Toukas in Nebraska. 

IROlJfOlAN. 

Iroquois I. A list of signs contributed by the Hon. Horatio IIale, author of 
" Philology" of the Wilkes Exjiloriiig Expedition. &c.. now residing at Olinton. Ontario, 
Canada, obtained in June, 1880, from Sakave.nkwakaton (Disappearing .Mist), famil- 
iarly known as John Smoke Johnson, chief of the Canadian division of the Six Natious 
or Iroquois proper, now a very aged man, residing at Brautford, Cana<la. 

Wi/andot I. A list of signs from Hento (Gray Eyes), chief of the Wyandots, who 
visited Washington. D. C, during the spring of 1880, iu the iuterest of that tribe, now 
located 111 Iinlian Territory. 

kaiowan. 

Kaioira I. A list of signs from SiTTisiGEA (Stumbling Bear), a Kaiowa chief from 
Iiiilian Territory, who visited ^VashingtoIl. D. C.. in June, 1880. 



KUTINEAN. 



Kutine I. A letter fV T. W. I'oWKLL, Ks(i., Indian siiiieiititendeiit, liritisli ( 'dliini- 

bia, relating;' to his observations anion;;- the Kutine and others. 



PANIAN. 



Ar!k((r<i T. A list of signs obtained from KfANlTCHKNAUiUC'll (Son of the Star), 
chief of tlie Arikaras, htcatcd at Fort Berthold, Dakota Territory, whih' at Wasiiin^r- 
ton, D. C, with a delej;ation of Indians in June, ISSO. 



SAnATTIAN. 

Sahdptin 1. A list contributed by I\ev. <i. L. DEl'KENHAU«n, of Lajiwai, Idaho, 
giving signs obtained at Kaniiali, l(bilio. ehielly from Felix, chief of the Nez I'ere^s, 
and useil by the Sahai)tin or Xe/ I'erces. 

SHOSHO.MAN. 

Comanche I. Notes from liav. A. J. Iloi/r, Denison, Texas, respecting the (,'onian- 
clie signs, obtained at Ana(birko, Indian Territory. 

Comanche II. Information obtained at Washington, in ]'"ebruary, ISSd, from Maj. 
J. ]M. Haworth, Indian insi)ector, relating to sign.s used by the ("omanches of Indian 
Territory. 

Co)iianchc III. A list of signs obtained from IvfUii ( Wild Llorse), a Comanehe ehief 
from Indian Territory, who visited \Vasliington, 1). ("., in .lune, ISSO. 

Pai-Vte 1. Ijitbrmation obtained at Washington from NAtshes, a I'ail'te chief, 
who was one of a delegation of that tribe to Washington in January, ISSO. 

jS7(o,v/(o«/ and Banuk I. A list of signs obtained from Tendov (The ('lind)er), 
TisiDiMiT, Fete, and I'iagat, members of a delegation of Shoshoni and Hanak chiefs 
from Idaho, who visited ^Vashington, I). C, during the months of Ai)rd and May, 1880. 

Ute I. A list of signs obtained from .\i,E.rAM)Ko, CiAI.ote, AT-(;fSTiN, and other 
chiefs, members of a delegation of l"te Indians of Colorado, who visited Washington, 
D. C, during the early months of the year 1880. 

TINNEAN. 

Apache I. A list of signs obtaine<l from 1 1 riouno (Little Flonde), Ach'stin Vi.tel, 
and Santiago Largo (James Long), members of a delegation of A])ache chiefs from 
Tierra Amarilla, New Mexico, who visited Washington, 1). ('., in the inoiitlis of March 
and April, Isso. 

Apache II. A list of signs obtained from XAKANAXri'AiN (White .Man), an .\pache 
chief from Indian Territory, who visited Washington in June, ISSO. 

Apache III. A large collection made during the i)re.sent summer by l>r. I'liANCis II. 
Atkins, acting assistant suigeon, I'nited States Aiiiiy, from tlie Mescalero .Vpache, 
near South Fork, New Mexico. This MS. was received after the whole of the X'oc.viu- 
LAKV had gone to the ]irinter, and a large i>art actually jirinted. so it was not i)ossible 
to insert all of the descriptions in the i>resent edition. The interesting " Narrative" 
communi(;ated by Dr. Atkins is printed with similai' matter following the N'oiAiu laky. 



16 

WK^IIITAN. 



Wichita I. A list of signs tVoiii Rev. A. J. Hoi/r, missionary, obtained from KiN 
Chkkss (Spectacles), Medicine-man of the Wieliitas, at the Wichita Agency, Indian 

Territory, in 187l>. 

Wichita II. A list of signs from TsodiAko (Shaved Head Boy), a Wichita chief, 
from Indian Territory, who visited Washington, I). C, in June, 18S0. 

ZUSlAN. 

Zioli I. Some ])reliminary notes lately received from Eev. Taylor F. Ealy, mis- 
sionary among the Zuni, upon the signs of that body of Indians. 

Grateful acknowledgment must be made to Prof. E. A. Fay, of the National Deaf 
Mute ( 'ollege, through whose special attention a large number of tbe natural signs of 
deaf-mutes, remembered by them as having been invented and used before instruction 
in conventional signs, indeed before attending any school, was obtained, which are 
])rinted in this paper. The gentlemen who made the contributions in their own ]MS., 
and without prom])ting, are as follows: Messrs. :\I. Ballakd, li. U. Zeigler, J. Cross, 

i'uiLir J. IIasen.stab, Larson. Their names will follow the several descriptions. 

Mr. Ballard is now the teacher in the i)rimary school of the college, and the other 
gentlemen were students during the last session. 

Special thanks are also rendered to Prof. .Tames D. Butler, of Madison, Wis., for 
contribution of Italian gesture-sigus, noted by him in 184.3, and for many u.seful sug- 
gestions. 

A small collection of Australian signs has been extracted from The Aborigines of 
Victoria, by R. Broxtgh Smyth, vol. ii, pj). 4-5, 308-9. London, 187S. Upon these 
the author makes the following curious remarks : " It is believed that they have sev- 
eral signs, known only to themselves, or to those among the whites who have bad 
inter(!ourse with them for lengthened periods, which convey information readily and 
accurately. Indeed, because of their use of signs, it is the tirm belief of many (.some 
uneducated and some eilucated) that the natives of Australia are acquainted with the 
secrets of Freemasonry." 



VOCABULARY. 



Aliidc. See Stay. 

Above. 

Place the rii;lit liaud, by an asceu(liii.<>' motion, upon the h't't hand, 
both exten(hMl, Huij'ers joined and ])alni.s (h)\vn. {Antixtlio 1.) 

I'oiut with tore linjief of n<;lit liand raised from tlie si(h' to the heav- 
ens above with extemU'd arm ([uickly. (OJibica IV.) 

Tiiuml) and foreftugers of l)otli liands cxicndcd. poinrin.i;- upright 
(other fingers ch)sed) in front of body, level of breast, back of hand 
outward, and then held in this position, left hand outside of and liiglier 
than the right. Tlie sign can also be made witli one hand, by moving 
it after being held at tlie lower height to the higiier one. and liolding it 
there a short time. (Dakota I.) "Superior height — one person or thing 
above another." 

With the back of the hand toward the right, the fingers IhmiI at right 
angles with the palm and i)ointiiig toward the left, i>usli tlie right hand 
from in front of the chin upward uutil it is a little higher thau the head. 
{Dakota IV.) 

Raise the hand very (piickly above the head, i)alm to the front, and 
a little 1>ack of the head. (Omaha I.) 

The right hand, with the index only extended, is elevated before the 
head. (Comanche I.) 

The left tlat hand is held in front of the body at the heiglit of the 
elbow, palm down, the right similarly placed, over, and a little higher 
thau the left. To express greater elevation the right liand is raised. 

(Ute\.) 

A little. 

Hold the left hand horizontal and in front of the Imdy, lingers open 
but joined together, \v,\\\n u|)ward. The riglil hand is tiien placed hori- 
zontal, fingers open but joined. i>alm downward, an inch or more above 
the left, and raised or lowered a few inches several times, the left hand 
being perfectly still. ( Dodge.) 
3 



18 

A hove, roiisidt'iably. 

IMiii-o the liiimls as in .Vhovc. a lilll**, then raise tlif riulit baud 
lii};lu>r ami liij;lii>r, as tlif lu'i.i;lit to he expressed is greater, until, if 
tHonnotisln ithore, tlio ligbt baud is raised as bi<ih as possible ; fixing 
tbe («yes toward tbe y.euitli, emit a duplieate smut, the more prolonged 
tbo greati'r tlu> beiglit is expri-ssed. Tbe left baud must continue 
uiotioidess during all tbis. (I^odije.) 

iclic. See l*:iiii. 

A»'ro»i!». 

I'ass tbe baud, tlatteiu'd and eitber i)artiany or entirely extended, 
from tbe breast, forward, uiiward, and downward, forming an ;u'cb to 
the trout. (Ahsaroka I; Shoshoni and Banal: I.) 

Ou the other side of. 



Klevate tbe loft tist palm down before the face, and pass the dat and 
extoudiHl right aeivss the baek of the left beginning at the, thumb, slid- 
ing it ilowu ou the t)utersido so as to turn the tips of the lingers of the 
right nearly in towiuxl the v>silm of the left. {I'te I.) 

idd to: to put ill ^oiiic iiiort>: to add or put to. (Compare 

C oiiiitiii^;.) 

With right hanvl uutke downward motion as though to take up some- 
thing ; (2) move suddenly over to left as though depositing the some 
thing in it : to add one, tbo three tirst tiugers ai-e clasped down by the 
thumb. To udil two, the little and tbinl linger extended. To add three, 
the little and middle fingers extended. To add four, all the fingers ex- 
tended. To add mueb. many, sign as befoi-e. {Chei/eHne I.) 

Hold the left baud in front of body seooi) fashion with back of hand 
dowuwani, then with the right hand held in the Siime scoop manner, 
with palm downwarvl make a sort of diving motion downwanl and out- 
waixl aud Uistl>' inward and upwanl to the left hand, as though gather- 
ing imaginary objects and putting them in the left baud. {Dakota 1.) 
"Gathering aud adding to." 

With the fingers aud thumb of the right hand, pretend to pick some 
imaginary object iu the direction of the locality of the desired object, 
plaK-'iug it near the body, aud repeating the gestm"e several times. 
{Ihikota Vll.' 

Bring the point of the exteuded foi-efiugt?!-* together betbiv the breast. 
(Omaha I.) 

Left hand extc ' u dowuwiu^l^^'). Fx-iug right hand dinvtly 

over left hand *l ■. and let the right hand palm downward fall 

upon the back of the exteuded left hand. (Comanche I.) " Piling ap 
furs," 



19 

idtiiiratioii. rirtioii of admiring-: •.iirprUt* : noiulor. 
vliniipaif PiH'lly, roiiteiil. 

Plaeiuj;- the hand iiihui the mouth, to show tliat hmjiiiaue is inadetniate 
to eoiniiuiiiieate tlieir sensations. (Iadiij.) 

lluUl tlie hoHow hand for some time hi-foie tlie moutli. I'erhaps the 
idea being that the mouth, widely 0]>en in amazement, is eoneealed be- 
neath it, and it beint;- imi>roi>er to disjiUiy emotion or admiration, 
the ojien mouth is eoneeah'd by the hand. (Ojihirti 1.) 

(1) Face turiu'd to the liuht : (!.') eyebrows eh-vated and eontraeted; 
(3) right Iiand lifted with tingeis eareh'ssly or loosely exteiuled ; (4) 
brought »uddenly toward the_ nu)utli. To exjiress surpn'sr as distinct 
from (itlmiration make the following sign: Eyebrows eontraeted and 
elevated, eyes indieating interest, right hand fingers outspread, elevated 
to side aiul front of eyes, gently osfillated. (Cheyenne 1.) 

Arms are crossed in front of body, the hands (S) pressing against the 
right and left breasts, which pressure is alternately relaxed ami reiu'wed. 
At the same time pleasiire is expressed by facial emotion. {Ihikota 1.) 
''Almost involuntary ou seeing an object (u- thing tlii-y admire."' 

Dea/mute natural xion. — Draw one palm along upon the other: then 
press them against your breast, directly 0|)pi>site the heart, making at 
the same time your face look like ti'ying to kiss. (Crosx.) 

.\diilalio3i. 

Italian sii/n. — The nuinih kissing the hand — by which. lob described a 
species of idolatry — is a species [of adulation practiced l>y every cring- 
ing servant in Italy, ilinthr.) 

Advaiit'o and Rt'trrat. (Compare Ratflo.) 

Witii the upright hinds about four inches apart, palms facing, lingers 
separated a little and semi llcxed. in front of the upper part of the chest, 
while all the lingers are in motion, move the left hand away from the 
right about four inches and bend it backward until its palm looks 
obli(iuely upward toward the right, and at the same time throw the right 
ha,nd toward it and partly over it ; then move the right hand away 
from the left and reveise the position of the hands. Hepeat this 
maneuver .several times. (J)akota IV.) 

The hands held as in the sign for Battle, then their relations to one 
another remaiiuug unchanged, they are uu)ved alternately from side to 
.side to represent the alteinate advances and retreats of opposing forces. 
(Mandan and Hiduttia 1.) 



20 
Alter. See Befbro. {CheijenneU.) 
Aflectioii. See Love. 
Atfii'iiiative. See Y'e<<. 

A;;e(l. Old man. 

Place tlie cliuelied rij^lit hand iu front of the shoulder, a foot or so 
from it, palm to the left, then push it forward a few inches, drawing it 
back at a lower level. This is done three or four times, and the body 
is inclined to the front at th(^ same time. {Absarol-n I; Shoskoui and 
JiaiKik I.) " Grasping a staff for assistance in locomotion." 

Place the clinched fist in front of and uearly as high as the shoul- 
d(u-, then push it forward repeatedly, di'awiug it back at a lower level 
{Dakota VI.) "Imitates walking with a staff." 

Hold the right fist in front of the right side nearly as higli as the 
shoulder, move it forward and bring it back a little k)wer, re])eating the 
motion several times. (Kaiotva 1; Comanche III; Apache 11; Wichita II.) 
" Walking with a staff." 

Aliend. See Before. 

Air. See YViiid. 

Alike. See ^iaiiie. 

Alive. 

Right linger whirled upward. (Macijoicaii.) 

The right hand, back upward, is to be at the height of the elbow 
and forward, tlie index extended and i)ointing forward, the other fingers 
cl()se<l, thumb against middle finger; then, while rotating the hand out- 
ward, move it to a position about four inches in front of the face, the 
back looking forward and the index j)ointing upward. {Dakota IV.) 

.Just alive, almost dead 

The same motion as for Alive, Imt the index is to be bent and 
tliumb placed against the jialmar surface of the first joint of the index. 
{Dakota IV.) 

Ail. 

Move the right hand, ])alm downward, in a large circle, horizontall}', 
two feet in front of the face, or move both hands in the same manner. 
{Itakola IV.) 

Always; Ibrever. 

Pass tlie riglit liand, flat and extended, edgewise from the head out- 
ward toward the riglit, in two movements, the palm at last pointing to 
the right. The eyes are directed ui)ward at the same time. ( Wi/andot I.) 



21 

Make tlio si^ii for Tiiii<>. :i loiijs;,. and loilS' a^o. (Comanche III.) 
'•Till' iiitunuaiit was icnicsicil to j;ivi' tlie .sij;ii for tlic above word, 
out as none was known, lie said tlie nearest approacli to I lie idea would 
be expressed liy niakini;' the si;;iis nieaninj;' lititij ii<i<>. a luiii/ linif." 

Same as the si.i;n lor f^arlli, llir. {lhU;i>t<t I.) •■W'iiliout end." 
Aiiivriraii. See Wliile man. 

AiiBon;;. 

Bring the (infers and tliiiinl) of tlie left hand nearly together, so as 
to form an interrupted circle ha\ing a diameter of an inch or more, then 
iutroduce the extended index as far as the second joinl. [Kuiincn I; 
Comnnrhi- III; Apiuhr 11; Wichiln II.) -'In the iriidst ol' others" 

Aii;:'oi'. (Conijiarc ISa<l heart and Mad.) 

The fingers and MuunI) of the right hand with the ends together atid 
near the breast, then turn the hand round two or three tinu-s so as to 
describe vertical circles, indicating that the heart is <listnrbcd. [Limy.) 

Close the list, place it against the forehead, and turn it to and fro in 
that position, {/liirton.) 

(1) Motion as if to touch the right brinist with the right hand to ex- 
|)ress "self,'' "1;"' (!') tingei's jiartially closed, thumb resting on the. 
tips anil extending across the hand; (.!) snihlcii motion t'orwanl ,inil 
slightly to the right: (4) lingers sprung wide open; ('>) i-apidly shaken 
to and fro. (Vlici/i'iiiic I.) ''Shaking olf, deprecating." 

Close the right hand as if grasping a small olijecl, hold i( several 
inches l)eforc the forehead, and twist it around toward the left. {Ahuu- 
)•(>]{(( I; SliD.'ilioni (inil BaiKik I) 

With the right hand, lis* (K -) raised to the u|)per part of the face in 
front, striki' iIdwu on thr left siilc of t le body to t le level of Ihe stom- 
ach. Very Biiiirli aii;;'t'i*('il, rei)eat t ds movement several times, 
and e\|)rcss it iiy contraction of the nurscles of the face. ( Ihikotd I.) 

The elbow in front of and as high as the shoulder, then strike with 
the list across the face to the left, the face expressing impatiem-e. (/><(- 
kota 111.) 

Toiu-h the chest o\er the iieart two or three times with the ends of 
the lingers of the right hand: then make the sign for bad. (Ptihota 
IV.) "Heart l)ad." 

The right arm is elevated and in type-position (A), brought to fore- 
head above right eye and twisted spirally from right to left; motiou 
ending with lists palm outward. ((>ti> I.) 



22 

(llose the riRlit hand a.s if sHLspins a small object, place it to the fore- 
liead palm down, then twist it forcibly, drawing the hand .slightly to the 
front as if twisting ott' any projection. Another: The clinched right 
Iiaiid is twisted against the breastbone instead of the forehead. 
Another: When not very angry the index is slightly bent and twisted 
before the forehead. ( Ute I.) 

With the tlnunb and fingers of the right hand collected to a point, 
l)lace the inner side of the hand over the heart, back nj). {Kaioira I; 
C<;w((«(7/(: 111; Apcu-hc U; Wichita U.) 

Bring the tips of the lingers and thumb of the right hand to a 
point, and place them to the forehead Just over the nasal eminence. 
(Apache I.) 

Deaf-mute natural .vir//(,v.— Make wrinkles in your face by frowning and 
shake yonr head. (Cross.) 

Hide the face, next tarn the head to another side, and then stretch 
down the open hand so as to itulicate that the offender should be out of 
sight immediately. (Ilasenstab.) 

.Alove backward and suddenly raise the hands between the breast with 
a disagreeable expression of tlie face. (Larson.) 

Move the lips as if speaking like a very angry man. (Zeigler.) 



angry with yon. 

Hand closed, right index extendeil and points to heart; then sign for 
auger; then right index jtoints to the individual intended. (Oto I.) 
"The mind turned away." 

Aiifclope. 

I'ass the open right hand outward from the small of the back. ( Wied.) 
This, as explained by Indians examined by the present editor, indicates 
the lighter coloration ui)i>n the animal's flanks. The Ute who could 
speak Spanish accompanied it witli the word bianco, as if recognizing 
that it lecpiired explanation. 

Extend and separate the forefingers and thumbs, nearly close all the 
other fingers, aud ()lace the hands with backs outward above and a little 
in front of the ears, about four inches from the head, and shake them 
back and forth. (Dakota IV.) "Antelope's liorus." 

With the index only extended hold the hand eighteen or twenty 
inciies transversely in front of the head, index pointing to the left, then 
rub (lie sides of the body with the flat hands. (Dakota VI.) "The 
latter sign refers to the white sides of the auimal; the former could not 
be explaiued." 



23 

Clos(; the I'i^^iit hand, leaving the end of the index in tiio form of a 
book and the thiunb partly extended; then wave the liand (jnickly back 
and forth a sliort distance, oi)i)o.site tlie teni])le. (Hidatm I; Ankara 
I.) "Represents the proMfied liorn of the animal. Tiiis is the si<;n 
ordinarily nsed, hnt it was noticed that in (-onversinj;- witli one of the 
Dakotas (VI) the sij;n of the latter was used several times, to be more 
readily understood." 

Place both hands, tinj;ers fully extended and spread, clos(> to the sides 
of the head. Wiid'n sij;n was readily understood as sijiiiifyiii.u' the 
white flanks. (Apdche I.) 

Arrive. See Come. 

Are > OH J '"^ec Question. 

Arrow". 

Pass the indexfinuer of the rij;ht hand sexcral times across the left 
arm. ( Wicih) 

Expressed by iioteliini;' it upon an imaginary bow and by snapping 
with the index and niedius. {Burton.) 

Forefinger of right hand extended, poiTiting upright in front of breast ; 
back of hand out, then with the thnnd) and foivfinger of left hand (other 
fingers loosely closed) rub up and down the extended forefinger of the 
right hand (straightening the arrow), thumb and forelingcr ou oi>posite 
sides, and then extend the left hand in front of body and draw the right 
back as though it was the iirrow fixed in the string of the bow. (Dako- 
ta I.) "From the place of tiie arrow in drawing the Iiow." 

Semi-flex the fingers and thundi of the left hand and plac'c the hand 
in front of the chest with its palm inclining at an angle of 45^ down- 
ward and backward and toward the right; draw the extended right 
index, its back forward from left to right downward ami backward be- 
tween the left index and thumb and along the ])alm, at the same time 
bringing the ends of the two latter together. {Dakota IV.) " Drawing 
an arrow out of the hand in which they hold their arrows." 

Both arms are flexed as in jiosition to shoot. The right arm is drawn 
up and flexed to an angle of 4.53, wjfi, imnd in i^tsition (E 1) modified, 
by palm facing the body. Left arm is extended /»•(>»( body about one 
foot and bent, with elbow horizontal at an angle of S(P. Left hand is in 
position (fiJ 1) modified by reversiTig hand. The sign is completed by 
uniform movement, to and from, as of swinging-arrow, after assuming 
above positions. (Oto I.) " Clasinng string and pointing arrow." 



24 

Hold tli(> left liaiid ;i.s liigli as, and some distance in front of, the left 
breast, had; fbiward, hand nearly half closed, then draw the extended 
index downward over the palm of the left, the whole distance extending 
abont twenty inches. (Kaiowa I; Comanche III; Apache II; Wichifo 
II.) " Drawin.u' an arrow over the hand as in imlling- the bow-string to 
shoot." 

To hit with an. 



Place tlif tips of the fingers downward upon the thnmb, then .snap 
them forward; then strike the hands together and elevate the index 
tinger of the right hand. (Wied) Probably when he .says "strike the 
hands together," he wishes to describe my -sign for ^iliot. When the 
person whom the i)rince .saw making this .sign raised the tinger lie may 
have done so to indicate a man shot or one shot. I do not thiidv that the 
raising of the finger is an integral part of the .sign. (Malthews.) 

Pass the extended forefinger of the right hand (others closed) ba(dv of 
hand toward the right, between the fore and .second fingers of the left 
hand, held aliout IS inches in front of body, back of hand out, horizon- 
tal, all the fingers extended, and then close the two fingers of the left 
hand on the right index. {Dah>1n I.) "Arrow .sticking in the target." 

After making the sign for Bow strike the back of the right hand, 
its index extended, other fingers closed, against the palm of the opened 
left. {Dalnta lY.) 

Sann^ as the sign for Bow, but with this addition: that after the 
finger has snapped from the thumb, the back of the right hand is struck 
against the ])alm of the left. {Dal;ota V.) 

With the index only, extended and pointing upward, then elevate the 
left hand palm toward breast, first finger se])arated from the middle, 
pass the index of the right forcibly forward and through tlie space thus 
formed, striking the knuckles of the right against the palm of the left 
with a thu<l. (Omaha I.) 

To kill with an. 



Extend the left hand, closed, as if grasping a bow, drawing the right 
back toward the shoulder from the left, snap the first two fingers of the 
right forward from the thumb and throw the right over, toward the 
right and downward. (I'tc 1.) 



• To shoot with l)ow and. 



The hands are placed as in the atfitnde of drawing the arrow in the 
bow (tliis is also the sign for the bow), and its departure is indicated by 
springing the lingers from the thumbs, as in the act of sprinkling water. 

{Lonij.) 



Place the tips of tlie tinj^ers downward u) tlie tliuinl", tlicii snap 

thiMii forward. (Wird.) I liclicvc I have dcscrilicd tliis under the head 
of lliwrliai'i^r ol" ih-.-ully iiii^^ilc. I Inive always seen the same 
siyn made for shootin;; liotli bullet and arrow. II' it is neeessar.v to 
distinguish the weapon, it eau be done by appropriate signs in addi- 
tion to this. {MattheicH.) The left arm was tin-n elevated, .slightly bent 
at elbow, and extended from the body as in holding a bow. Tlie light 
arm was tiieii Hexed, and the hand, in jiosition (ii 1), in\-erte(l as hold- 
ing and pulling the string; the liands an; thus unifoinily swayed to 
and fro .sevend times, as if holding llie arrow in situ and taking an aim. 
If Wied's sign is complete, there is little resemblanee to the sign among 
the Otos, save in tiie position of the riuhl hand, w iiieli is siiiiilar. thounh 
inverted. In the Oto sign the distance bi'tween the iiands would indi- 
cate length of the ariow, which is not shown in the latter. (Holclrr.) 
"That which rests in the string and liow.*' 

^lake the sign tor Itow, tiu'ii right hand ilrawn suddenly back 
toward right siioulder. lingers of l)otli hands snapped to indicate dis- 
charge of arrow and twang of string. {Clii-i/nnw I.) 

Extend the left arm with closed hand as if grasping the bow. draw 
the right hand back toward the rinht side of the face with the second 
linger resting against the thumb; tiieii allow the linger to siJiing forward, 
move it in the direction of the object hit, and strike the backs of the 
lingers of the fight hand against the ])alm of the left. [DakotK \ .) 

KSaine sign as Ihihotn \. (Ihthitu \\\.) 

Extend the left hand at a left ol)li(|ue, the thumb and iiii<ldle linger 
forming ;; circle. l>riiig the rigid hand liack to the right breast, and tlip 
the lingers of both hands from the thumbs. [Omaha 1.) 

Arrow -head. 

"With the index finger of the right hand, touch the tip of the exteniled 
forefinger of the left hand several times. ( W'icd.) 

Make the .sign for Arrow and rlien place tiie right thumb, palm 
forward, on the last joint of llie left index, its ])aliii inward, the other 
lingers closed. (Dakota IV.) 

AsliaiiKMl. 

The extended right hand, palm inwards, is jiassed up and <lowii two or 
three times, in front of the face and an inch lu- two from it. with a mod- 
erately rai)id motion. {Mandan and llidatm 1.) 

I am. 



Cross the liands in front of the face, palms backward, the right behind 
the left, to liiile the face. (Dakota IV.) 
4 



2(5 

Haiids with tiiiji^rs cxterKlcd, hroiiglit tosetlier in front of tlif body, 
paliiiiir surfaces of litric, liuj^crs Joined, and hands 8h)i)inj];- obliqnely np- 
wanl with backs U)okinj;- towards the sides, extended tingers pointing to 
tlie front, &e. ; /. c, liands hehl in imitation of a straight suoop, then 
witiiont sei)arating tiii^ iiands carry them forward and downward with 
a (piick iii)settiMg motion. (Dakota I.) "Scooping up and throwing 
away aslies." 

Aikioep or w lee pi 11$;'. 

lMa(;e the liands open over the face, close the eyes and gently press 
theui down, at same time gently incline tlie head and body to the right, 
nntil attaining an angle of abont i~P, or lower, remain in that position 
a few moments. [Ojibwa IV.) 

Ass. See ITIiile. 

Assent. See Yes. 

Astoiiisliiiieiit. Sec Surprise. 

Attention. 

Hold the right hand tiat and extended, palm down, at arm's lengtli 
and directed toward the person addressed, shaking it from side to side 
several times. (Ahsaroka I; Shotihonl and Banak I.) 

To attract a person's attention previous to commencing conversation 

The right hand (T) carried directly ont in front of the body, with arm 
fully extended and there moved sidewise with rapid motions. (Dakota I.) 

Aurora borealis. 

First make the sign for the lYIoon in Iront of the body, at the level 
of the breast, and then on both sides of it at the same time make ivith 
both hands the sign for tire. 

This requires explanation. The Sioux believe the northern lights to 
be the reflection of a fire built on either side of the moou to warm it. 
(Dakota I.) 

Aiitiiinn. 

With the thumb and foi'(>linger of light hand describe a crescent (other 
lingers closed), back of closed tingers outward, hand carried in this posi- 
tion from above and to the lett of the head in front of l>ody toward the 
right and downward moderately rapid with a curved and small up and 
down waving motion made l)y turning the forearm and hand in imita- 
tion of a leaf carried from the tree by a slight breeze. (Dakota I.) "The 
falling of the leaves."' 



27 

Hold the, left liand ii|)ri;>iit in tVoiil t>\' tin- left slioiililcr, liiif^'ers sepa- 
rated a little and sli<>litly bent, the ends in a circle, and tliiow tlie ri};lit, 
its fingers separated a little and sliiilitly bent, (Voin immediately above 
the left several times downward sidewisc^ on dilVerent sides, then, witli 
its tinj-ers pointini;- obli(|uely ui)\vard toward the left, carry the right 
hand spirally downward and oldiipiely toward the right, to inutate the 
falling of leaves. (Ihiknta IV.) 

iOlevate the left hand, pointing npward, before the face, ])alm to the 
right with lingers and thnnd) separated, then pass the right, with tin- 
gers in a similar position, npward i)asc the left a short distance, then turn 
(Unvn two or more lingers of the right with the forelinger of the left, 
and throw the hands downward and forwaid with sjiread lingers jKiint- 
iiig in the same direction, (h'niinni I; ('(iiitiiiicli<' \[l : AikkIic l\ : Wi- 
cliitti II.) "(liowtli of tree, and falling of leaves." 

Awl. 

The left forelinger is extended, and the right, also extended, is placed 
across it, and is then fnrned on its axis, so as to imitate the action of 
the awl in making a hole. (Loit;/.) 

(1) Thnnib and three lingers ot' i-iglit hand clasped as though grasp- 
ing liandleof an awl, and the index linger extended to represent the 
jioint; (!.') thrust against the ])alm or some portion of the left hand. 
(Clici/ciinc I.) 

Av. See T<»iiiali:iw k. 

rutting with an. See Clllf ill;:'. 



Bahr. Sec 4 liild. 

Rai'oii. 

Sei)arafe the tlinmliand lingers of the right hand, the former under, 
the latter over the extended left hand, palms down, as if feeling its 
thickness. [Aidpulio 1.) 

Left hand with thumb and fingers extended, joined, horizontal edge 
of hand downward is held in front of the left breast back outward, right 
hand with fingers extended and joined, thnirib extended and torked is 
passed o\er the left from above with ends of lingers downward, and 
then the |)almar surfaces of the right lingersare pass(>d along the backs, 
ami the thumb along the i)almar surface of the left hand. (Ihihi/a I.) 
"Thin" is also denoted by this sign. -'Fat like a side of bacon." 

9ta«l, laioaii. 

.MaUe the sign for <>ioo<l and then that of .Vol. (/."«'/.) 

Close the hand, and oiieii it w hilst passing it downward. ( W'ixl.) 
This is the same as my descrii)tion, l)Ut dilfereiitly worded; possibly 



•28 

notes a less forcible form. I say, however, tliat the hand is iiioxed 
forward. The luecise direction in which the hand is moved is not, 1 
think, essential. {Mattlicirx.) 

Scatter the dexter tinkers ontward, as if sportinj;- away water from 
them. (Burton.) 

(1) Ki.nht hand partially elevated, finger.s closed, thumb claspinji- the 
tips; (2) sndden motion downward and ontward accomjianied by ecpmlly 
sndden opening- of fingers and snapping from the thumb, of the fingers. 
{Cheyenne I.) 

Right hand closed (B) carried forward in front of the body toward the 
right and downward, during which the hand is opened, lingers down- 
ward, as if dropi)ing out the contents. (Dakota I.) " Not worth keeping." 

Half close the fingers of the right hand, crook the thuiub over the 
fore and middle fingers and move the hand, back upward, a foot or so 
toward the object referreil to, and suddenly let the fingers fly oi)eu. 
(Dakota IV.) "Scattered aronn<l, therefore bad." 

Close the fingers of the right hand, resting the tips against the thumb, 
then throw the hand downward and outward toward the right to arm's 
length, and spring open the lingers. (Dakota VI, VII.) 

Hands open, palms turned in ; ino\e one hand towards, and the other 
fi'om, the body; then rice rerna. (Omaha I.) 

Throw the clinched right hand forward, downward, and ontward, and 
when near at arm's length, suddenly snap the fingers from the thumb as 
if sprinkling water. (Wi/anilot I.) "To throw away contenii>tuonsly ; 
not worth kee])ing." 

Raise hand in front of breast, fingers hooked, tliumb resting against 
second finger, palm downward (ii 1), then with a nervous movement 
throw the hand downward to the right and a little behind the body, with 
an exi)ressioii of disgust on the face. During motion of hand the fing- 
ers are gradually extended as though thiowing something out of hand, 
and in final jiosition the fingers and thumb are straight and .separated, 
palm backwanl (R I), with lingers i)ointing downward, jjalni liackward. 
(iSah(()>tin I.) "Away with it." 

Same motion ol' arm and liand as in All i'i$;iit ; C^ood. Rut in the 

first position fingers aiv, closed, and as the hand moves to the right they 
are thrown open, iinti! in final position all are extended as in final for 
All ri^iif ; <iioo4l. (>!(ih((i)tin I.) 

Deaf-mute natural si</ii.—Usv, the sigu for ll:iii<li«oiiie, at the same 
time shake the head as if to say A'o. (Zieglcr.) 



•2!l 

Tlu' N(':ii)()Iit;uis, to cxpross contciiiiir, blow towjuds tlic ])crs(iii or 
tliiiif: rcrcncd to. The (Icaf-iiiiitfs |ii-cscr\ c the comicclioii of ■• Imd ■' 
ami "tastf" \t\ Iniisliiii'; Iroiii t lie side of ilic inmilli. 'I'liis inav he coui- 
jiaifd witli tlu^ deaf unite sij;li of liii)])iii,i; an iiiiai;iiiar,v olijcct lictwceil 
tliiuid) nail and foielini^cr, denoting; .sonictliinji small or (■ontcni|>til)k'. 
The motion of sna|>|iin.u llic linfjcr either on or from the ilinmh in dis- 
dain is not onlv of larj;(' modern i)icvalence in cix ilization, lint is at least 
a.s ancient as tlu' (•ontcniiiorary statnte of Sardanaiialiis at Ancliiale. 

\"erv. 



Siun for Very as in \vv\ iSO<Ml,and siuii for Had. {Sahaptin I.) 

Ita<t iK-arl ; Wicked. (('om|>are Aii;;er.) 

Sign for ICad, then folded ri.L;lil liand strnek two or three times sud- 
<leidy aiiainst tiie iieart to imitate |ial|iitation. (('Iiri/eiiiic 1.) 

Tai) several times the rei;ion over the heart with the rijrht hand, hori- 
zontal, htijiers extendeil, pointing; toward the riuht. hack ontward. and 
then make the sign for Aiisri*. (/'"A"/" 1.) "Mv heart is had." 

The sign most commonly used for this idea is made liy tlie hand being" 
closed ami held near the breast, with the backs towar<l the bicast, then 
as the arm is suddenly extended the hand is ojiened and the lingers 
separated from each other. (Mdiuhtn iiinl Hiihitxn I.) 

Place the lingers of the tlal right haml over the iieart, then make the 
sign for had. {Ihdohi \'l, VII.) 

KaEI. 

Middle tingers and thumbs of both hands bronght together to re|)re- 
s^nt a circle. {Clici/tinic I.) 

Foi gun. See ICllllcl. 



Barter. See Trade. 

Ita^iii. 

Same as Itetde, exce]it linal motion of settingon the tire, which 
i.s omitted. [Ihtkotn \.) '• From its sliape." 

Basket. 

Interlock the separatecl lingers of the liamls in front of body, backs 
outward, hands hoiizontal, in imitation of the interlacing of basket- 
wtirlc. {l)(tJ.(it(i I.) '' I'rom the inter\\o\en .splinters of a basket." 

Bailie. (('om]iare Ti;;!!! and liili.) 

Tile clinched hands are held about as high as the neck an<l five or six 
iiiches asnnder, then \\a\ed two or three times laterally to show the 



30 

ndvMiR't's and retreats of the coiiibatants ; after which the finfjers of 
each hand are suffered to spiiiifi' from the tlimiili towards each other, 
as ill the act of sprinkling- water, to represent tlie tlijiht of missiles. 
{Long.) 

To show that fighting- is actually taking place, make the gesture of 
Kill ; tap the lips with the i)alm like an Oriental woman when "keen- 
ing," screaming tliewliile ()-a! O-a! to imitate the war song. (Burton.) 

(1) Fists of both hands ch)sed and brought to the level of the chin, 
near together and knuckles facing each other ; (2) moved suddenly for- 
ward and backward with a sort of churning, grinding motion. {Chey- 
enne I.) 

Both hands (A 1) brought to the median line of body on a level with 
tlie breast and close together ; describe with both hands at the same 
time a series of circular movements of small circumfereuce. ( Dakota I.) 
"Two opposing forces of Indians at battle in a circular manner, after 
their usual custom of surrounding their enemy." 

Two or more men figiiting. ^[ove the ui>right fists alternately several 
times bad; and forth about eight inches in front of the upper part of the 
chest, ])alms inward, and about four inches apart. {Dakota IV.) 

The clinched lists are held l)efore the chest, backs outwanl (the fore- 
arm neither prone nor supine), and passed straight up and down rapidly 
a distance of six to twelve inches, alternately in opi)Osite directions to 
one another, either n slu)rt distance ai)art or witli the joints touching. 
This indicates any angry coutest or struggle as well as a pitched battle 
fought with weajions. {Mandan and Ifidat.sa I.) 

The anus are eipially tlexe(l, as in position of defense. Hands aie 
loosely clenched and fists rotated in jiahnar i)roximity three times ; the 
sign is completed by retaining the arms and fists in posture for defense 
about three seconds. Hands are jiosition (B) doubled or (B B). (Oto 
I.) " To ward off." 

Both hands at height of breast, palms facing, the left forward from 
the left shoulder, the right outward and forward from the right, fingers 
pointing up and spread, move tliem alternately towards and from one 
another. (Utel.) "Mingling of men in strife."' 

Place both hands on a level iu front of the chest, half closed, fingers 
pointing downward, the backs of the right-hand fingers pointing for- 
ward, those of the left facing tluMu, lield al)out six inches apart, the 
hands are tiu^n (piickly movcid toward and from one another several 
times. {Aparlic I.) 

Deaf-mute natural sujn. — N'ihrate your fingers, implying how many 
soldiers; then copy the manner of shooting a gun. {Cross.) 



ISadle. White mail's. 

IJotli haiuls cliiicheil with l)all ol' thiuuh on the sccdihI ami third lin- 
gers, clinched forefingers of each liaiid tonching. Tiien ])nsli the hands 
from yon, hitting the fingers all llv outward at tiie same time, as if you 
were trying to tlirow water otf vour tiiigers. This repeateil twice or 
more, according to the severity of the enjiagement. {Cowanche I.) 
'•Soldiers standing in line delivering their lire." 

Charge and connter-charnc 



The hands are hehl as in the si^ii for Rattle, and are then simnltu- 
neously moveil from and toward one another. [Mdinlan titul Hidntsa 1.) 

BcadM, glass. 

Stroke the lingers of the right hand o\er the left upper arm. ( Wich) 
Do not remember. A sign for necklace is sometimes made by extending 
the thumb and index finger and idacing them against the throat. [Mat- 
their.s.) 

Ti])s of the joined thumb and foreliuger h-ft iiand [others closed), wet 
by touching to the ton<;'ne, are passed down in front of the body, as 
though picking up loose beads from the laj), and tiien hand held In front 
of the left breast, hoii/.ontal, l)ack outward, tii)s of joined thumb and 
finger toward tlie right, and then the right hand, with thumb and fore- 
finger extended, crooked and Joined at tip.-' (others closed), as though 
liohling a sinew, is i)asse(l towaz'd the left, to and over the left hand 
as though passing the sinew through the lieads. (D((hr>t(( I.) '• I'"rom 
the use of beads in embroidery." 

Bear, animal. 

Pass the haml before the face to mean ugliness, at the same t'uie 
grinning and extending the lingers like claws. {Iliirton.) 

(1) Middle and third finger of right hand clasped (hnvn by the thumb, 
forefinger and little finger extended, crooked downward : (2) the mo- 
tion of scratching made in the air. {Chci/ciuie I.) 

Fingers of both hands closed, except the little linger, which is extended 
and pointing straight towards the front, thnmbs resting on the liacks of 
the second ]ihalaiigcs of all the lingers, hands horizontal, backs njiward, 
are held in front of their respective sides near the body, and then 
moved directly Ibrward with short, sharp jerking motions. [Dukota 1.) 
" From the motion of the bear in running." 

Griz/.lv. 



Right hand Hat and extended, held at height of siiould.-r. palm for- 
ward, then brin- the palm to the mouth, lick it with the tongue, and 
return it to first i)()sition. (Omuhn 1.) •• Showiim blood on the paw." 



32 

St'i/.i- a sliort i)i('(;i' of wood, say about two feet long, wave in the ris'lit 
hand, and strike a blow at an inia,i;iiiary jjeison. {Omaha I.) 

Kei/.e a sjioit tliinji about six inelies lonj;, bold it as daj^ger, pretend 
to thrust it downward under the breast bone repeatedly, ami each time 
farther, j>runting- or gasping in doing so; withdraw the stick, holding it 
uj), and, showing the blood, point to the In'east with the left foretinger, 
meaning to say so do tlioii irhcii ijoti meet the bear. {Omaha I.) 

I'retend to stab yourself with an arrow in various parts of the body, 
then i)oint towanls the body with the left-hand foretinger. {Omaha I.) 

Arms are tiexed and hands elasped about center of breast ; then 
■slowly fall with arms jiendulous ami both hands in position of (<J). The 
sign is completed by slowly lifting the hands and arms several times in 
imitation of the animal's locomotion. 

JMoxcmcnt and ajipi'arance of animal's front feet. {Oto I.) 

Hold the closed right hand at the height of the elbow before the right 
side, palm downward, extend and curve the thumb and little linger so 
that their tips are nearly directed toward one another before the knuckles 
of the closed fingers ; then push the hand forward several times. ( Kaiowa 
I, Comanche III, Apache II, ir/(7((7(f II.) " Paw and long claws." 

Hold both closed liantls before the body, palms down, and about eight 
inches apart; reach forward a short distance, relaxing the lingers as if 
grasping something with them, and draw them back again as the hands 
are withdrawn to thei)' former position. {Vte I.) " iScratching, and 
giasi)ing with the claws." 

The right hand thrown in the position as for Hoi*Me, then extend 
both hands with tingers extended and curved, separated, palms down, 
and ]>ush them forward several times nnikiiig a short arch. {Apavhe I.) 
"The animal that scratches with long claws." 

Reard, whiskers. 

Place the back of the wrist under the chin, spread the fingers slightly, 
allowing them to extend downward and forward. {Dakota VI, Vll.) 

BeaTer. 

With the liack of the o[)en ligiit hand, strike the i)alm of the left 
several times. ( Wied.) I have .seen this. It rei)resents the beaver 
striking the water with his Hat tail. {Matthews.) The arms are semi- 
flexed and a])i)roa(tli the body with the hands opened, i)alms down, the 
right over and above the left. The right hand finally sweeps back and 
is held extended, flatly open in position of animal's tail. There is uo 
similarity in the execution or conception of this sign and that of Wied; 



33 

tlip coiifoption ill Xho si,i;ii anion;; the Otos is clc'ar, lull that lor tlie 
latter ol>scur(\ Tlic lici^Iit ami liroad llat tail of I lie animal. (Boteler.) 

Describe a parenthesis ( ) with tiie Ihuinh and index of both hands, 
and then with the de\ti>r index imitate the wau^iiiii of the tail. ( Ilnrtun.) 

(1) Ivi^ht hand flattened to form an extension of forearm, palm down- 
ward at an an^ik' of IJ^ to the body ; ('!) suddenly slapju'd down two 
or three times. {Ghcyenna I.) "From the manner in whiili liie beaver 
slai)s water or nmd." 

liotii hands in front of body, linucrs extended, horizontal Hat, palms 
downward CW), eiidsof tinkers pointing' oblii|iiely forward, jiat the liaek 
of first one hand and tlien tlie otlier several times, not too rapidly. 
{Dakota I.) "These Indians believe that bea\crs are al)le to converse 
with each otlier aud do so wliih- buildiiii;' tlieir dams and lodges. The 
sign, howevei', would seem t<i come from the noise made b\ ilie beavers 
in ])atting down their dams." 

Hold the left hand, palm looking obliquely, forward, outward and ii])- 
ward, a foot in front of the lower i)art of the chest, and stiilie its i)alia 
several times with the back of the open .igiii hand, i Dal.ota W .) 

Both arms are semi-extended ami tlie hands in type position [W] are 
held right above left to rt'preseiit .size of animal. Hands in this posiiion 
execute uniformly a creeping movement forwards, then right hand 
sweeps to back of body and is extended from eoeygeal region to repre- 
sent the broad, flat tail. (Oto 1.) "Creeping animal with Mat tail." 

Hold both extended flat hands, iialmsdown, side liy si(h', then extend 
the first three fingers, .separated, the little lingers and thumbs <•!( <ed 
and the hands retaining the same relative position. (Apache \.) ■• flat 
tail, and claws." 

Traji. See Trap. 



Before. 

I'.iing the hand close to the right breast i^V) with palm to left, fore- 
finger pointed outward ; bring left liaiid (.'H palm inward) in front of and 
few inches from the breast, move nglit hand to th<' fioni and at same 
time move the left toward the breast slightly. .1 Hei* or allerw ar<l 
is done by having the hands in the same position (.II) excejit to have 
palm of right hand down. The left is kept stationary and tlie right is 
drawn back. (Cheyenne U.) "The left haiul re|.re.senling an imaginary 
line, the action of the right makes it the friMit or before." 

Ivight hand moved (luiekly forward from side back of hand in trout. 
the hand drawn back less(|uickly. again iirojected forward raj.idly. with 
slight inclination of head and l)ody forward. (OJihira W.) 



34 

Ijeft hand li<'l<l tbri'dn^ior .stiai,i;lit, ni)iijilit, palm of liaiid outward 
(othtT tiiifit'is closed) in I'miit of body about IS indies, and then the 
ri{:ht hand held in the same manner close to the body on the same level. 
{Dakota 1.) 

Close the finders of the right hand, thumb crossing the middle finger, 
index extended, i)alm forward, thrust tlu^ hand forward forcil)ly. 
(Omaha I.) 

(roiiig before or jtassiug another jjerson. 



Move both fingers uiKiiid down and away from the body on the same 
line, but allowing the i-ight to gain on and finally pass the left. [Dalcota 
I.) "From the idea of being or going before or ahead of another i)erson 
in walking or anything else. A derivative of sui)erior." 

In place; ahead; superior. 



The hands are held horizontally, in front, backs u])ward, ]>arallel 
about an inch a|)art, the Ibreti ngers only extended. The right hand is then 
advanc(Hl before the left, usually about a linger's length; but the distance 
may be increased or dinunished to express degree. This sign is to be 
considered in connection with those for bcliiiid or inferior, and beside or 
equal. They all refer to the relative iiosition of objects in space but to 
ditt'erent degrees of (piality. f oilipariMOii is expressed by the.se signs. 
Changes of i)osition — as horses in a race — are shown by cLanges in the 
position of the hands. [MatuJtin and Hidatna I.) 

In time. 



Same sign as for Tiiiie, Ion;;', and wliort, but in referring to length 
of time, as to the previous day, or previous month, etc., the Lands are 
drawn apart carelessly about ten or twelve inches, quickly, the absence 
of any haste indicating a longer time, and cousetjuently applicable to 
nnitters referring to a longer period. [Kaiowa I; Comanche III ; Apa<ihe 
II; Wichita 11.) 

Beg, Be««ar. 

First make the sign for Lodg'e, eiilei'iilg' a, and thcli the sign 
for Cwive to me. (Dakota I.) 

Fir.st make the sign for (liive lo llie, and then the sign for ^Tlan 
or^Voiiiaii, as the case maybe. l>o(l;;'e, entering' a, can be 

added or not. (Dakota I.) "From an Indian going from lodge to 
lodge asking for tilings." 

Begone. See Uo. 

Beginning, t'oniineneeinenf. 

i he right hand horizontal, with lingers arched (B) back of hand up- 
ward, of lingers obliipiely downward and outward, is pushed out in front 



35 

of the linlit l)ic:i.st ;iii(l drawn hack to ()ri;;iiial position two or tiiree 
times. (Dahilti I.) "(ioiiii^- to ilo it. (loiiij;- to coniiiieiice aiiythiiijj. 
Goiiij; ahead, pii.sliing thiiij^s." 

Rt'liiiid. 

Bring- hotli liands in IVoiit of the breast (.^| palms down), tlie lore- 
lingers neaitogetiier |)ointiiig to front: move the right sinhh-tdy to rear 
few inches, (lie U-ft remains still. In descrilniig a person being left 
farther and fartluM- to tlie rear, kec]) moving the riglit a conple inches 
or .so at a mo\ c until you make tliiee or four nio\es hack. (Vhrticnuc II.) 

Same motion as Itt-rorc repeated by swinging the hand backwards 
from thigli, with (iiiickened motion as the haiui went back. {()/il»r<i IV.) 

Forefinger of the right liaiid, straiglit, ujiright (others do.sed) i)alm 
of hand outward is drawn from in front of and on a h'vel willi the 
slionl(h'r, l)ehind the body on as near a straiglit linti as ])ossible and 
with foretinger i)oiiiting ui)riglit. (Dakota \.) " iteverse of going be- 
fore. He is still falling behind me." 

With its index I'xteiuU'd, iiointiug backward, over the right shoulder, 
back upward, ])ush the right hand backward about four inches from just 
in front of the shoulder. [Dakota \\ .) 

Inferior. (C'omi)are Ahead.) 



Place the hands in the same position as for nlicaii, except that the 
right hand is behind the left, /. c, nearer the body. [Mandan and Hi 
clatsa I.) 

I'lace the sjiread right hand Iteliind the body, mo\ ing the hand slightly 
a little nil and down, and back and forth. {Oiiialia 1.) 

The left arm is flexed and haiul upright with hooked index (as in I 
1 — inodilied by the hand l)eing held edgewise) is brought belbre the 
face. The right fist is then brought to the same ])osition and the ))alms 
face each other. The left hand remains before the tace, but the right 
list is swei)t back past the right side with the index linger extended as 
in type J. (Oto I). " What I have gone by.'' 

Beloii;;-. .See Pow<«e!«!«ioii. 

Below, under. 

Made like the sign tor above, with this exception — that all move- 
ment is made by the left or lower hand, the right being Iielil molioidess, 
palm downward, and the eyes looking down. [Ihnhjc.) 

Place the right hand, l)y a descending motion, Just under the left 
hand, both extended, tiugers joined and i)alnis down. {Arapahu 1.) 



3() 

Same iiiofioii as Above with liaiid starting from above level ol 
ell)o\v, tingei- ]ioiiititig down, rest gently closed. (Ojihira IV.) 

Same as AI»Ove, only draw the right hand a considerable distauce 
below the left. (Dakota I.) 

Sign can also be made with one hand by the reverse of the movements 
in Above. {Dakota I.) " Refer to the person below or under by mov- 
ing that linger and hand which represents the under person, animal, 
or thing. Inferior height, variant of superior." 

P.oth hands are extended oi)en as in type IV. The hands are then 
api)i()xiniated edgew ise and the left is superimposed, and swept palm over 
back of right. Both hands now diverge and arms are extended from 
the right and left sides — palms down. The right hand is now brought 
forward as in type (I 1) — modified by index being more extended, and 
describes a (]Uiidrant'-s an; towards the ground. [Oto I.) "The vast 
depths into which all suddenly fall." 

Place the flat left hand in front of the body, palm down, lingers di- 
rected toward the right; place the tl;it right hand, j)alm down, below the 
left, the greater the distance the hands are moved apart the greater 
the depths to which allusion is made. (Ute I.) 

Belt. 

.Motion of putting a belt around the body with thumb and foretinger 
of botii hands on their respective sides of body — thumb and foretinger 
U-shaiK'd, [)ointing inward and carried around the sides of body to the 
front, other lingers of both hands closed. [Dakota I.) "From the 
phiciiig of the belt." 

Be!«i4le. equal. See Name. 

Bi;^'. In the sense of Bl'O.'ld or Flat. 

Ibing both hands in front of breast, palms down, then extend them 
forward to length of arms and sweep around outwards, on a level. For 
.small extent, the hands indicate a less extended arc or circle. [Ojibtcn 
IV.) 

The light hand is held horizontal, extended and flat, pointing forward. 
A slight arched curve from right to left is made at whatever height the 
speaker wisnes to indicate. [Apache I.) 

Ihii/'-miifc natural siijn. — Place the hands near each other and move 
thciii a|)art. ( fiallartl.) 

In the sense of lli;;ii as a Jiill. 

An ascending motion of the extended hand, fingers joined, palm 
down, outlining and indicating relative height. [Arapaho 1.) 



37 

(1) Both hands uiiclosfd. Itrouulit Ii> the IVoiil nl' clicst, pahiis t;u;ilig 
eacli Otlier, rij^ht hand alxivc h't'I and t-U'vatfil to h'vcl of cliiii ; (2) 
right hand carried ni)\\ard.s in projKjrtion to the degree of heiglit to be 
exi)res.sed (Clici/iiuic I.) 

liaise the extended hand, fingers joined, palm down and iinri/.onial, 
to tlie proper or greatest possible elevation. {Anipidio 1.) 

With the tbrelinger of the right hand straight, upright (.T), carry it 
straight ui>\vard in front of the Ixxly above the heail as high as the ex- 
tended arm will reach. This would indicate a Midunlain. ami lesser de- 
grees of arm extension would denote lesser heights. ( IliiknUi I.) ''dreat 
high — a mountain." 

l>c(iJ'-HUfti nutio-dl sii/ii-s. — llii;'li — Move the liand uj)ward. [lUtUard.) 

IJaise the hand abo\c the head. iLdr.son.) 

In the sense of BiJii*;;** aroiiiiil. 

(1) Motion for n idlll exce[it that liic elbows are not pressed against 
the sides, but the arms and hands are extended and give a enr\<'d form 
as though clasping some large object ; {-) motion made to inerea.se or 
enlarge the circle in proportion to the size to be exjjressed. (Cheyenne I.) 

Indicate the general outlines, and in the direction thei'cot extend 
both hands, ](alnis towards each other, (o the reipiired or greatest ]ios- 
sible distance a]>art. {Arapdlio I.) 

i'alms facing, and mo\ed apart farther and farther by jerks. (Oma- 
ha I.) 

Large. 

The opened U])right hands, palms facing, fingers relaxed and slightly 
separated, being at the height of the breast and about two feet a|)art, 
sei)arate them to lu'arly arm's length. (Dakota 1\'.) 

Jh'a/nnitc. natural sii/ii.s. — i'laee the hands near each other jialni to- 
ward i)alm, ami move them apart, and at the same time distending the 
cheeks. (Hallard.) 

Point your linger at your chest and face expanded, (t'rass.) 

]\lo\'e both open hands from each otiicr with the ])abns looking toward 
ea(!h other, and, at the same time, rausc the cheeks to look liig and 
round by l)lowing against them. (Ilasinxtah.) 

otretch out the hands. (Larxon.) 

In the sense of Loii;;'. 



(1) Hands brought njiward and to the front of the body, forelinger 
ami thumbs of both brought together as though grasping the ends of a 



38 

striiij;-; (-') siiddi'iily dniwii ai)ait in proportion to the length to be ex- 
pressed. {Cheyenne I.) 

Deitfmiifr iKituraJ fiujna. — Direct the forefinger downward and extend 
it forward toward a distant jioint. (Hnllanl.) 

Poiut to the hiiid, if tlie land is iiiteiideil, with the finger; then move 
horizontally the ontstretclied hand along the line, which describes an 
ellipse, (i'ronx.) 

HaA-ing held the hands, the ])alnis tonching each other, separate them 
by moving them in a straight line, showing how far apart. {Crofis.) 

Stretch ont the arm, at the same time place the foretiiiger on the 
shoulder. {Zci<jler.) 

In the sense of Loii;;', in extent. 

Pnsh the ojjeiied riglit liand, palm toward the left, from the lower i)art 
of the chest upward to aljout a foot above the head. {Dakota 1\'.) 

Deaf-iniile natural sii/iis. — I>y moving the hands apart. {Ballard.) 

Stretch out lioth arms in a straight line. {Larson.) 

In the sense of Wi«le. 

(1) Elbows close to side, forearm and open flattened hands extended, 
palms facing anil nearly touching each other ; (2) separated in proi)or- 
tion to tiie degree of width to be rei)re.sented. {Cheyenne I.) 

(I) Uands extended to front of body, open to fullest extent, but 
fingers and thumbs contiguous, palms up, little fingers of each hand 
touching; {'2) gradually moved apart in proportion to the size of the 
surface to be repi'esented. {Cheyenne I.) 

Bring both hands to the front of the body, on the same level and 
close together, finaers and thumbs extended, i)alms downward (\%'), 
fingers pointing forward, with both haud.s on the same level, make a 
sidewise movement with the left to nearly its arm's full extent, but only 
move the right a few inches. (Dakota I.) 

This sign resembles that for Big\ in the sense of Flat. {Dakota I.) 
"A broad, level piece of land." 

Both hands brought together in front of breast, with a curvod mo- 
tion, hands horizontal, flat, palm downward (\1'). Ends of fingers 
pointing toward the front are then carried out sidewise, with a curved 
downward motion to their natural jKisitions. {Dakota I.) "Covering a 
large surface." 

Place both tlat hands side by side before the breast, palms down, then 
pass them hoiizontally outward toward their respective sides. {Dakota 
VI, VII.) 

Dra/inittc natural sii/n. — Put the jtalms of the hands near each other 
and then mo\c lliciii faraiiait. {Jlallanl.) 



39 

Birii. 

The liamls aiT flapped near tlie slioiildeis. If s]ieciti<-ati(>ii lie re- 
qiiiieil, the cry is imitated or some ]iecMliarit\ is introduced, (liinlou.) 

(1) Both hands ojieii to lullest extent, jiahns downward, hrou^lit to 
level of and against the chest, forefiiijier iiointiii}; away from cliest : (li) 
puslie(l forward and downward and wiliidrawn with a cnrve motion, as 
the motion of wins^s in llyinj;'. (Chci/onic I.) 

The trout outline will represent tlie sij^n. IJotii arms are ehvated 
and tiexed at right angles, to tlie sliouhh-rs, the arms are tiien made to 
diverge, and in jiositiou W ma(h> to IJapor waNcr to and from Xlm body 
after the manner of the wings of a bird. (0(o and ,l'mo(n-( 1.) "Tliat 

has wings or tlics by tlieni." 

Iti«>4>ll, iMifliilo. 

The two foretingers are jihiced near tin' ears, i)roiecting, so as to 
represent tlie horns of the animal. (Lotiii.) 

Kaise the forehngers crookei! inward, in the semblance ot' horns, on 
both si(h's of the head, (hinimi.) 

Lower the head and [irojecl the foretingers from tiieii- respective sides 
of the head, like liorns. (Arupdlio 1.) 

r.otli hands elevated to or toward the sides ot' the head, foretinger of 
each crooked olili(|Uely foiward to re|)resent horns. (('Iiriicnne I.) 

lioth liands tightly closed, iea\ ing the forelingers only extended and 
curved: jdace the tists before tlu' (;hest, about ten inches apart, (lalnis 
facing, and foretingers above. [Almnrokn I; Shoslitnii ami llinial: 1.) 
•^ Horns.'' 

lioth haiuls raised to tlu' sides of the head in front of ears, back of 
liands looking forward, foretingers crookeil backward, rest of tiiiger.s 
closed, tliuiyli resting on second linger. (Ihtkola 1.) '■Horns of the 
buffalo." 

r.oth hands closed exce|)t foretinger, and then applied to each temple, 
with the latter pointingalittle forward. (l>((kota II.) " llornsof animal." 

Senullex the forelingers, loosely close the olheis, tliinidis eitlicr under 
the middle Angers or again.st them, and place the hands upright, backs 
outward, one ou each side of the head, near it or against it, above and 
just in front of the ears, then move the hamls suddenly forward a coujile 
of inches. {Dakota IV.) '-The horns of the bulfalo."' 

All the digits of both hands are coini)letely Hexed except the foretin- 
gers, aud these are slightly curved ; each hand, back outwards and held 
obliquely outwards and ujiwards, is brought in contact with the tenii)le 



40 

of the siiine side at tli<' wrist. (Miiudmi and Hidatsa I.) "Thus the 
holiis of tlic animal arc iiulicatcd." 

.Same si.i;ii as lor Calf l(>. {Oto I.) 

Both liautls, tlatteiu'd, sli^litly arc-hed, aud flexed at the wrists, are 
held as hif^h as the ears and over the slionhlers pointing backwards, 
then incline tlic head to tlie front and ijuickly throw the liands njiward 
a short distance. {Knlnnn I; Comanche III; Apache II; \Vichit(( II.) 
"The liunipcd shoulders and motion of tlie animal."' 

IliMill, (Icncric. 

Close both hands loosely, extending and crooking the toreflugers, 
place them several inches from cither temple. ((7(; I.) 

Bnttalo calf. 

Place the lists n|)right, Itacks outward, with the thumbs strongly ex- 
tended above the ears near the head, aud shake them l)ack and forth sev- 
eral times to imitate theshaking of a calf's ears. {Dakota IV.) 

Sa7iie sign as for Biifialo row, but made as low as the waist, and 
the hands are moved slightly forward and backward. (Kaina-a I; Co- 
manche III ; Apache II ; Wichita II.) 

Female. 

Curve the two forefingers, place them on the sides of the head, and 
move them several times. ( Wied.) I have giveu you a similar sign for 
the Bison without regard to sex, except that I do not mention any 
motion of the hands after they are placed in the position ot horns, aud I 
do not remember seeing such motion. (Mattheus.) 

Same sign as made by Shoshoni and Crows. When this sign is nuide 
before the person it signifies both sexes, without special reference to 
either. {Kaiowa I; Comanche III: Apaehe II; Wichita II.) 

Male. 

IMace the tightly-closed hands on both sides of the head with the lin- 
gers forward. ( Wied.) If he does not mean to describe the same sign 
(miinis the inotion) as in ] ii son, fc nude, I know not what he does mean. 
I have seen but one sign for Butl'alo (which I am certain was generic), 
and I opine that one sign was all the Prince saw. The movements lie 
speaks of in Bison, female, may have been unnecessary or accidental. 
Additional signs are used to indicate sex when necessary. (Matthews.) 
It is conjectured that Wied''s sign ibr the lUrt/e Z*«^«/« indicates the short, 
stnbhy iiorns, and that for the Female, the ears seen moving, not being 
covered by the shock mane of the male. 

«il<'. To. 

Thumb of right hand extended, f(n-e and second lingers also extended, 
Joined, and slightly arched, thumb separated from fingers (other fingers 



41 

dosed), liaiid liiin'zontiil or ohliciucly upwards, od-ic of hand dowiiwanl, 
the anil fxtouded to nearly full (•ai)acity in trout oC rijilit breast, i|iiickly 

draw the fingers against the thiiinli several times, at the same tii haw 

the arm in toward tlie liody. {Ihihatit I.) >' From the siiappiiij,^ hite of 
do;;s. The two jaws in motion." 

ISI:iiiliof. See 4'lolliiiii;. 

BliiKl. 

First touch the closed eytvs with the lips of Hie extemled fore and 
second tinkers of right iiand, haelv upward (oliicr (ingers closed ), then 
turn the hand and make the sign for ^«'«'ili;;' as contained in liOok, 
and then the sign foi' .\oilc or I have hoik* as contained in \oii(>. 
(Dnlcola I.) " I have no sight." 

Blood. 

Itight hand with thiimh extended and pointing u|iwanl, lingers-ex- 
tended and separated as much as i)ossilile and pointing obliquely up- 
ward and downward, is brought along the body in Iront to the nuuith, 
where it is carried forward for a few inches witli a downward curved 
motion, back of hand toward the right. [Ihikota 1.) " l'"roni a biilfalo 
when seriously woundeil standing ami spirting l)!ood from the mouth 
or no.se." 

IJotli hands with lingers collected at the jialm points are brought to 
the temples. The tiugers are then suddenly tiipped outward. The right 
arm is then elevated and the index-lingei' and thumli brought to the nose 
and nuide to drop in Jerks to the ground. (Oto and Missouri I.) "That 
which judsates in the tem])les and droi)s from the nose.'' 

('lose the right hand, leaving tlie index ami second lingers only ex- 
tended, then draw the pahnar surface across the lips trom left to right. 
{Kaioicdl; ('omiinchc \\\ ; Apache l\ ; ]\'icliitii l\.) 

Boat, row. 

Make with both hands raised to the levcd of the shoulders the forward 
and backward motions as though rowing a boat. (Ihikota I.) 

Tiring the hands together, hollowed, little tiugers Joining, the thumbs 
fiirther apart, to represiMit the body of a boat, In^ld before the breast. 
{Omaha I.) 

• Canoe. 



Both hands at the same side of body, one above the other, make the 
movement of using a paddle lirst at one side of the body and tiien at 
theother. (Dakota I.) ''From the nuinner of using the oars and paddle." 

Make the motion of paddling. {Innjuois 1.) 

Body. 

The hands with the fingers i>ointe(I to the lower part of the body are 
then drawn upwards. [l>unbar.) 
(J 



42 

IJoth liiuids, backs oiitwaiil. carelessly lowered to frout aixl sides of 
rhislis, foretiiiti-ers extended, tips sli-htly touehing the thighs, then draw 
rai^dly upward along the sides of the l)ody, and out toward the shoulders. 
{Ch eye line I.) 

Uoiliiij?. 

Same as the sign for fire, heat being the idea. {Dnlofa I.) 

Bold. Inipnident ; rash. 

Bold is included m Biare. Rashness <ir ini|)rudence cannot be sei)ara- 
ted from Brave, as the distinction is too line a one for the Indian's 
comi)rehension. [Dnlota I.) 

Book. 

Place the right palm upon tlie left palm, and then open both before 
the- face. {Burton.) 

(1) Both hands bronglit to a reading distance and made to represent 
a book open, or much as it would be while holding it in the band and 
reading, little tingers not touching; (2) motion made with the face and 
eyes as though intently reading. (Cheyenne I.) 

Make with the right hand at the right side of the body the move- 
ments of using the pen in writing, and then carry the hand to the front 
of the breasts, where the left hand is lield horizontal with fingers 
exteiuled, pointing outward, palm upward (X), aud close the right hand 
with palm down, fingei's extended, &c. (W), on the left, as thongli 
closing an open book. First part of the sign denotes writing. {Dakota 
I.) "From the act of closing an open book." 

Both arms are elevated and semi-extended, with the hands open and 
parallel before the face; palms upward ; the eyes directed intently there- 
in. The right hand is then raised and turned iuto a modified position 
(H), and seemingly writes in the oi)en palm of the left. The hands are 
then reapproximated m [losition (X) before the face and approach and 
diverge as in the opening and closing of a book's leaves. The thickness 
is indicated by holding the right hand at the desired distance above 
the left, opeu. {Oto and ^[iKsolu•i l.) " Something written that opens 
and closes from which we read.'' 

Bone. 

Make the sign for the animal to which the bone belongs, and then 
touch the j)articular i)artor place in the body to which the bone belongs. 
{Dakota I.) " Locating the bone." 

B<»rii, To he. 

I'lace the left hand in front of the body, a little to the right, the iialm 
downward and slightly arched ; pass the extended right hand down- ' 
ward, fiirward, and upward, forming a .short curve underneath the left. 
(Ihikota V.) "This is based u])on the curve followed by the head of 



43 

tli<' child diiriiiii' hiilli, and is used </c)icyic<illi/.'^ Tlic siffii, with additions, 
means " t'athor,'' "mother," " jjrandpaient," hnt its ex|iiiij.'ated foini 
anioMji the Frencli (h-al'inutes means "parentage" };P"<'i''<"dly. for whii-li 
term tliere is a sjieeial sit^n icpoited tVoMi onr Indians. See l*:n'<'llt- 

a«e {I>(i(l;/c). 

I'ass the Hat ri.i;lil hand downward, forward, and npward in front of 
the lower portion ol' the alidomen and pnbis. [Diihita \'I.) 

Pass the right han<l, naturally relaxed, downwaid from the lower jiart 
of the chest, forward from the |)nhis, and npwaid a short distance, form- 
ing a cnrve with the convexity downward. (lutioival; CoiiKincltc III ; 
Uh' I : Apiivliv II : Wirhitu II.) 

Hold thi^ extended lelt hand tiansversely in front of tlie lower portion 
of the abdomen, about eij:ht inches in IVont ot il. and slij;htl\' airhed, 
then ])ass tlu^ flat rijiht iiand downward lietween liie body and the left 

hand, forward and slightly npwaid liey 1 it. (.l]Htchc I.) "The lelt 

hand rejire.seiits the pubie arcii ; the ri^hl, the curve of Caru.s.'' 

Denote the size of ihe bottle on the upheld left forearm by drawin<r 
across the edi;e of the rij;ht hand with linuers eviended and jialm 
downward, and then make the sign Ibi' Ili'iiiUill^'. (Dithuta I.) 
" From drinking out of a bottle.'' 

The lett arm is semi cxtendeil !)efore the body, and tiie hand is held 
uj) with the lingers collected iijiand down as in ( |C), more horizontal : the 
imlex and tliund) make a circle. A small bottle is represented by the 
right index extended saw ingon the knuckle joint of the letl index. {Oto 
mi'l Mixxonri I.) '"'riie sha|)c and grasp of the bottle." 

Row, wca]ion. 

The left hand being a little extemlcd, Ihe right hand touches it and 
makes the motion of drawing the cord of tlu' bow. {Diiiihiir.) 

The hands are placed as in the attiiinle of drawing the arrow in the 
bow. (Iiiinii.) 

Diaw the ri^ht arm back completely, as if diawing the bow string, 
whih' the lelt arm is extended with elinchcd hand. (Wied.) There is 
a similarity of concei)tion in the sign gi\en by nu' (Otniimt Missouri I) 
and WivtVn, but in execution the latter represents almost identically the 
the Oto sign for '' To shoot an .Vri'ow." {Holclcr.) 

jiake thi> mo\cment of bending it. (Hiirlon.) 

(1) Left hand slightly closed as tlauigh graspnig bow, and niiddh; 
linger of right hand withni three or four inches of the left hand and 
a]iparently grasping a string; (l') diawn two or three times in iiintati<in 
ot drawing a bow-string. (Chvyvnne I.) 



44 

Draw back the right liaiid fioiii tlic left, lield iu front of the body, a.s 
though drawing back the arrow fixed in the string of the bow. 
(Dakota I.) " From the drawing of the bow." 

Incline the head a little toward the rigid; raise the nearly closed left 
hand, back outward to the height of the shoulder, nearly at arm's 
length forward, and wliile pnsliing the left hand ahead and a little to- 
ward the left, draw the nearly closed right hand, its Itaek outward from 
near it backward and toward right, as if drawing the bow. ( Dakota IV.) 

The left flst, back forward, thumb upward, is held a foot or two in front 
of the chest as if grasping a bow. The right hand, with thundi ujiward, 
the finger tips forward and two or more of them in contact with the 
thumb (position of holding the string), is held a few incites beliind the 
left hand. Then a slight motion backwards of the right hand may or 
nuiy not be uiadc. (Mnndan ami Hidatsa I.) 

The left arm was then slightly bent and extended antero laterally from 
the body. In this jjosition it is made to resemble the shape of a bow. 
The position of the hand is variable and unimportant, but it is generally 
clinched as iu (D), proltably to represent the holding of the bow-string, 
as it is always secured at the end of the bow. The right hand is 
sometimes approximated, as in setting an arrow. (Olo (did MiKsoiiri I.) 
"The sha])e of the bow and its use." 

To draw the. 

The hands are held as in the sign for Bow, then the right hand is 
moved backwaids a foot or more as in the act of drawing a bow. {Hi- 
datsa I.) 

To shoot or kill with the. 



Hold the left fist, back outward, nearly at arm's length forward, point 
toward it with the right index, pabu inward, fi-om in front of the right 
shoulder; then drop the left hand and after hooking the right thumb 
over the fingers of right hand, suddenly let them tlj- forward. (Da- 
kota IV.) 

Ro«vl. 

Snme as the sign for Kettle, excei)t the latter part of the sign in- 
dicating i)lacing it on the fire. (Dakota I.) 

Tiic distinction is not a line one between Ketth', Bucket, Ciq), lidwl, 
Haniii, &c., and cither ol' them may be indicated in the same sign, but 
the connection in wlncli tlie sign is used is generally sufficient to denote 
the |iaiti('uhir article to which reference is nuxde. (Dakota 1.) "From 
its use." 

Bo\. 

Designate size of box on the ui)hel(l left arm by drawing the edge of 



tlie riylit liaiid ovci' it witli I'xtciidcd liii;;(>rs, and tlicii Ixilli arms cx- 
tt'iided ill front of lioily, hands liorizontal, linjicis cxtfiidcd, hacks out- 
ward, to tile sides, are held on the h'vel of tlie breast. (I>f(l;iitii I.) "Size 
of tlie l)o\." 

Boy. See C'liiid. 

Bi'iive. 

Clo.se the lists, plaee tiie left ii(>ar the breast, and move the ri^ht over 
the left toward the left side. [Wial.) Amotion somethiii;;- likelhis, 
which 1 do not now distinctly recall — a .sort of wreiichiiiL; motion with 
the lists in front of the chest — 1 ha\c seen used loi- Kli'oil^'. If \\"n'<Vx 
siuiiinakei"s hand (list struck the rej;ioii over the heart (as lie m ly liavo 
done) he would tlieii have indicated a "stronj;- lu^ait," wlii(;li is the 
e([iii\alent for Etrati*. {Multlicirx.) 

("liiich the rii;lit list, and jilace it to the breast. {AI>siiniL;i 1; ,s7i</- 
shiiiii (tihl lUinal; I.) 

l>oth hands list ; the left (A) moved ii]i close to the bodv to the hei-^ht 
of the ciiiii, at the sami time the li.uiit is broiiiiht up and thrown over 
the left (as it is mo\ed up) with an outward and downward cur\'cd mo- 
tion ; the left hand is carried iiiiward and downward and the movement 
of the iij;ht reversed two or three times, l-'ndurimcc is ex]>ressed by 
this sifiii, and it is connected with the siiii dance trials of the younj; man 
iu testing his brawry and powers of endurance before admission to the 
ranks of the wairiors. (Pakofa I.) 

Push the two lists forward aboul a foot, at the licii^hl of the breii.st, 
the right about two inches behind the left, i)alms inward. ( l>(ikiit<i IV.) 
"The hands ])ush all before them.'' 

The light arm is Hexed and elevated; the hand is then i)laced over 
left eye much in type position (B). It is then twisted from left to right 
aci'oss forehead until at right .side of head when the motion stops with 
fists palm outwards. That is readily unwound. As i/oad will. [Oto I.) 

Strike the breast gently with the palmar side of the right list. ( U'l/- 
anilot I.) 

Strike the clinched list forcibly toward the ground in I'rout of and near 
the breast. (Arikani 1.) 

lie is tlu' brascst ot'all. 



Eaise right hand, lingers extended. |)alm downward ( A' 1), swing 
it around "over all," the point to the man (lig. 1). raise left list (\ 1, 
changed to left and jpalm inward) to a point iu front of and near the 
body, dose lingers of right hand and place the list (A -. palm inward) 
between left tist and^ body and then with violent luovemeiil throw it 



46 

over left fist, astlioufili bicakiiij; soiiietliing-, and stop at a point in front 
of and little below left fist, and lastly i)()int npward with ri^dit band, 
(tifr. 2). (Saluqnhi I.) "Of all here lie is strongest." 

The rifihtfist, ])abu downward, is strnek against the breast several 
times, and the index is then (jnickl.v elevated before the face, pointing 
ui)ward. {Apache I.) 

Only by showing willingness to tight. (Ajxiche III.) 

Ih'iif-uivte nutural siijn. — To run forward with a bold expression of 
the conntenanee. [Larson.) 

Pantomime. — Not to run back but to run forward. [Zeigler.) 

Brave. 

. "Hold firmly closed left hand about eight inches in front of centre of 
body, left forearm horizontal, pointing to right and front, back of left 
hand vertical, and on line of prolongation of forearm ; bringing the firmly 
closed right hand some six inches above and a little in front of left liand, 
back to right and front, and on line of forearm ; strike downward with 
right hand, mostly by elbow action, the second joints of right hand 
passing dose to and about on a line with knuckles of left hand. 

"1 believe there is no gesture in the Indian sign-language that is as 
flexible and pos.sesses as much strength and character in its meaning as 
this, for, when added to other signs, it intensifies their description 
wonderfully ; adds, in fact, the superlative to every idea ; gives heroic 
character to bravery; arrant cowardice to timidity; makes an ordinary 
meal a feast, and of a fast, starvation; jtleasure becomes bliss, and care 
most bitter soriow. Pointing to a man and making this sign would 
convey to an Indian's mind the idea that he was brave, fearless ; and 
this, to them, is the highest, most i)erfect, virtue, and creates not only 
respect, but positive reverent^e." 

The foregoing is (|Uoted from an article iu the United Serrice for July, 
1S8(», written by an author who, according to his strong expressions, is 
obviously attlicti'd with a theory of a stereotyjie and universal sign lan- 
guage among the Indians, which is snjjported by his avowedly taking 
"means" of signs. His descrijitions aic therefore liable to some of the 
cautionary remarks in the Introductory Letter to this ]ianiphlet, but as 
it is highly interesting to ascertain the use of an intensive or superlative 
sign, the (pu)tatiou is jtrinted to attract the attention of correspondents. 
If they iiu'et with, or can recall the ])recise sign as above described, and 
in the same exai-t sense, they will please state the tribe and all particu- 
lais. Something like this sign, with some resemblance to its use as au 
intensive, ap])ears elsewhere in this paper, but not with the signification 
of "brave," under which head it was given by the author and therefore 
is so placed here. 



47 

Bread. 

Combine si<;ns for Flour ami Firt'. {Arapnlio I.) 

]5otli liamls in front of liod.v, lists, hacks Kbliqiicl.v down wanl, jmsli nj) 
and down si'veral times as tlioti.i:li icneadin;;- (lie di(ii.<;li. and then at a 
higher elevation both hands, one above liic other about s inches, hori. 
zontal, left hand b<^low, l>ack downward (X) right hand aliove, liack 
ui)ward ( W)cliange the positions of t lie iiands (\\ taking t lie place occu- 
pied by X) two or tliree times. [Dukota I.) "From the paiking and 
shaping (if the loaf." 

The right hand being al)out a foot in front ol' the chest, opened and 
relaxed. ]>ointing- obli(iuely tbrwnrd toward the left, ipiickly throw the 
left hand, jialm (hiwnward, and lay it acioss the right, then rajiidly separ- 
ate the hands, and turning the palm of the left n])ward and the right 
downward, lay the right across the left. Ivepeat this maneuver several 
times. [Ihikiita W .) '• l-'orming a iiie<-e of dongh into a cake or loaf." 

Hard : crackers, &c. 

After making the tirst jiait of the al)ove sign, carry the left hand iu 
front of the left breasl with lingers extended, joined, tlat, hoiizontal 
ends of tingers forward, and the eilge of the right hand with lingers 
extended is drawn airross the palm of the left at jii-oper distances cross- 
wise. {Dakota 1.) 

Break. 

Doth hands lirought one abo\-e the other arctnnd to front of body, 
closed as though grasi)ing' small stick, and snildenly turne(l in opposite 
directions to imitate breaking. (Cheyenne I.) 

The extended foretinger of both hanils (J 1) meeting at tlieir tips iu 
front of body, palms inward, and then separate the tingers by an outward 
movement as though breaking anything in two. {Dahota I.) "From 
the breiikiug of a twig." 

The tists being near together, directed forward and backs upward, 
turn the outer sides downward as if breaking a stick. (Ihikotd W .) 

With both hands placed side by side, thumbs touching, throw them 
outward and downward as if breaking a stick. {Ihikotn W. VII.) 

Both lists (backs upward, knuckles forward, thumbs one or two inches 
ajiart) are held at a common level six or more inches in front of the 
chest, then simultaneously the forearms are send-rotated so as to bring 
the thumbs uppermost. Other methods of breaking have other signs 
to represent them. (Miindan and llidatsa I.) 

The arms are uniforndy tlexcd and the hands in type position (B) 
apjiroximated before the body. Tiie hands are thus ])alius downwards. 



4« 

Tlie sinii is comiilcted liy tiiiiiinj;- tlieiii over to\v;inls tlio side as iu 
ivgiilaily IxMidiii}; oi' lnvaking- a stick. Sign ends with pahns up. (Oto 
I.) ''Soinerliiiij; torn a[)art." 

Both hands closed, pahns down, thumbs touching, then throw both 
downward and outward, toward tlieir resjiective sides as if breaking a 
stick. It' this gesture is accompanied by a movement of the l)ody for- 
ward, and facial accompaniment of exertion, it represents greater 
destruction by breaking or the increased requirement of strength to 
break the object referred to. (Ute I; Apache I.) 

Seize an imaginary object, hold it in two fists (A palm down), turn 
fists outward and palms up (broken). (Apache III.) 

Deaf-mute natural .sinus. — Cliucli the hands and turn them as in the 
act of breaking a stick. (Ballard.) 

Use the shut haiuls as if to break a stick. (Haseiisfab.) 

Nod the bead slowly with the upper teeth rested on the lower lij) 
and the eyes opened widely to ex])ress astonishment, and, at the same 
time, use the shut hand with the foi'efinger up as if to give a warning, 
and then use the shut hands as if to break something. (Ha.senstal).) 

Place the lists together and suddenly raise them ajiart, forming an 
angle (either right or obtuse.) (Larson.) 

To use both shut hands as if to break a stick. (Zeigler.) 

Broken. 

Twist off left forefinger with right forefinger and thumb. (Apache 
111. 

Breecli-clotli. 

Pass the flat hand from l)etween the legs upward toward the belly. 
(Wied.) This sign is still in use among these Indians. (Mattheirs.) 
Metaphorically speaking there is identity with Wied's sign and mine. 
(Oto and Missouri I.) In the latter, the sign is given for the thing sig- 
nified. By the Prince of Wied the conception is the article itself. By 
the Oto, that which invariably ac('om])anies and supports it. (lioteler.) 

Draw the opened right hand, palm ui>ward, between the legs from 
behind forward. (Dakota IV.) 

Botli arms were flexed and sonu'what raised at the sides; the hands, 
then in ])osition (K), inverted, are brought to the piominences of the 
hips. The hands are then brought around to the iiubis in an approach- 
ing line and there twisted over each other, as in tying a knot. The 
movement in this sign represents the tying of the cord tliat passes 
around over the, hi[)s to sui>|)i)rt the breech<--lotli. (Oto and Missouri I.) 
"That which is tieil on with a cord at the hips." 



49 
Bridle. 

The cxtemlc'd foreliii.ncron.otli liiiiids (all others closed) (:^I), iiu'.-tin<r 
at their tips are placed backs a.uaiiist and covoriii;;- the inouth (this is 
the bit) and then separated, diawn njiward alonu their icspective sides 
of the face in front of the ears until tiiey meet at tlie back part of tlie 
top of tlie head. ( Dnkutii I.) •• From the wearilij; of tlie bridle." 

Both hands, with extended indices as in (K). meet on the top of the 
head ami describe a line down tlie sides of (he face, tlicn meet in tlie 
centerof the mouth and diver.-c. [Oto and .Uissoiirl I.) ••Tlie position 
of the same on animars liead." 

Briii;; f o me. See (wive. 

Broad, ivide. See Bis' in tlie sense of Wide. 

Brother: brother .iiid <>i<«ter. See Kelatioiioiiip. 

Broom. 

lioth hands joineil, in ti-oiit ot' the stomadi, liacks ontward. (inu'ci-s 
extended and i)ointinf>' oliliqnely downward, make a imsiiinu forward 
and l)ackward movement froi}i the wrists as thouiiU l)riishiny or push- 
inji- dirt l)efore the broom. (Ihthvtit I.) "From the manner of usinj'- 
their primitive brush broom." 

Bull. 

First make at the sides of the head thi^ horns of tlic aininal by crook- 
ing backward the index-flnsiers, ami then make the siun for Tlllie 
apjdied to animals, which is the same as ai)plied to human bcinus. 
{Ddl-ofa I.) "Denotin.u- the sc\ of tlic animal." 

Bullet. 

^lake the sign of the ex])loding of the i)owder, then grasj) tlie fore- 
finger of the lianil with the remaining tingers and thumb, so that the 
til) of it will .so extend beyond them as to re])rcsciit the ball. (Lo)tf/.) 

(1) Make the sign for Ball : (-') forefinger and tliumliof right hand 
used as in the act of grasi)iiig some small object in front of tiie face, and 
between it and lett hand, which represents a half circle by means ot' the 
middle finger and thumV): (•>) foretinger of right hainl siuldeiily I'xtended 
and pushed through the imaginaiy circle of which the middle tiiiger and 
thumb of the left hand forms one-half. {Clici/f>i)ir 1.) 

Lett hand hooked (fw). nearly closed: /. <., Icaxing a small cin-iilar 
opening, tliuiiib resting on the l)acks of the L'd and '■>d phalanges of all 
the finger.s, is held horizontal in front of the left breast, with back to- 
ward the left (this represents the barrel of a gun), then the index and 
thumbof the right extended ami nearly Joined at tips as though holding 
7 



.-)0 

a loiiiid l)iill('t between tlieni (this is the bullet), is earned to the letl 
baud and the tiiifiens relaxed as thoiiiLih i)laeiiig- the bullet iu the circular 
opeuiuji', and then strike down on the left hand, with the edge ot the 
rijiht fist (A I) as though dnvnig the bullet home. Thissif;ii is that for 
loailiui^' a gun. {Ihikota I.) 

Iliirii. 

To destroy. 

Move tbe right hand (F) in tiout of tlie body as though throwing 
something forward, and then make the sign for Fire. (Dal-ota I.) 

Of the body. 



' Touch the burnt part with the right index and then make the sign 
for Fire. {Dakota I.) "From fire." 

Bury, To. 

Both flat and extended hands held at arms'-leugth before the abdomen, 
edges down, and about an inch or two ajjart, thumbs touching; both 
hands are then thrown outward toward their respective sides rei)eatedly, 
as if throwing away from their upper surfaces .some light substance. 
Then re\erse the luotion from without inward. (Slioshoni and Baiiak I.) 
"Throwing ui> earth from a ditch, and returning it." 

Buy. See Trade. 

Camp. 

Clinch both hands, hold them miward before the breasts, thumbs 
touching, then pass them forward, each describing a semicircle, so that 
the outer edges touch at tbe termination of the gesture. {Arilnra I.) 

Camion. 

Thumb of the right hand under the fingers; i. c, iu tbe palm of tbe 
hand, otherwise fist (B); snap out the fingers and tbumb in front of the 
right breast, and then make the sign for Bisf. {Dakota I.) "Tbe big 
ex])losion From the smoke made on the discharge of a cannon."- 

(Jap, perciiMKioii. Bee <)iiiii. 

Caiitiire, To. See Pri!«oiier, to lake. 

Cardw, plaviii;;'. 

« 

(1) Lett hand fully oi)ened, slant, and held up to the level and in front 
of the shoulder; (U) sudden pecking motion made with the partially- 
closed fingers of the right hand five or six times towards tbe palm of 
the open left hand, as tliougli throwing cards. {Clici/enne I.) 

(io fluough the motion of dealing from a pack of cards, and throwing 
one each to imaginary jilayers, right, front, and left. {Dakota VI, Vll.) 



Catlle. 

First make tin- si-ii tor Riiffhlo aii<l tlieii tlie si<;ii tor Mpof led. 

(Dakota IV.) "Si)otte(l Imtlalo." 

Both arms arc clcvatfil to licad lli-xcd. Tlie liands, botli, aic l)roiii;lit 
to sides of head at i)arietal ridges in position (K). aTid tliiis hehl a miMnt(>; 
the head is then rotated to the several sides. {Oto I.) "Animal with 
horns." 

Make the si^n tor Bllllalo, tlien extend the left foi-elin,i;cr and draw 
the extended index across it repeatedly at dilferent ])laees. (Ah.sanil^a 
I; tShosliDiii -.ind Banal: I.) '■ Literall.v, spotted bullah)." 

To round np. 

Place tlie closed hands horizontally before the chest, leaving' the fore- 
fingers curved, then make a beckoiiinji' motion with both simultaneously, 
the right ino\ing over the l<>ft, as if hooking at imaginary stalks of 
grain. {Iuu(>H(( 1; Comanche HI; Apache 11; Wichita II.) '-Cattle 
(horns) brought tJgether." 

Chair. 

Right forearm extended from the elbow at right angles (D, with the 
hand fist (A), with back d<twnward. [Dakota I.) This sign also denotes 
sit down. " From its use." 

€h<nllrni;(>. 

Florentine xii/n. — A tist clinched, with the tlniiiil> thrust out under the 
forefinger. [Butler.) 

Chicken cock, domestic. 

Bring the thumb and fingers of the riglil liand together, and, iioiding 
the hand moderately elevated, move it across, imitating the motion of 
the head of a cock in walking. []>nnhar.} 

(1) Sign tor Itil'd; (2) tii)s of lingers and thund) of right hand 
clo.sed and pointing downward; (3) motion of scratching and pecking 
imitated. [Cheyenne I.) 

Chief, a. 

The foretiuger of the right hand extended, i)ass it perpendicularly 
downward, then turn it upward, and raise it in a right line as high as 
the head. [Lony.) " liising above others." 

Baise the index tingerof the right hand, holding it straight upward, 
then turn it in a circle and bring it straight down, a little toward the 
earth. ( Wied.) The right hand is raised, and in position (J) describes a 
semicircle as in l)eginning the act of throwing. The arm is elevated 
perfectly erect aside of the head, the palmof tlie index and hand should 



52 

be oiitwai'il.s. Tliere isati I'videiit .similarity iii both execution and con- 
ception of this sign and Wied's; the little variation maybe the result ol 
difilereut interpretation. 'I'he idea of superiority is most prominent in 
both. "A prominent one before wliom all succumb." {Boteler.) WiaPs 
air-picture reminds of the royal .scepter with its sphere. 

Raise the forefinger, pointed upwards, in a vertical direction, and then 
reverse both finger and motion ; tlie greater the elevation the " bigger" 
the chief. {Ampaho I.) 

(1) Sign for .Tlail ; (2) middle, third, little finger, and thumb slightly 
closed together, forefinger pointing forward and downward; (3) curved 
motion made forward, outward, and downward. {Chci/enne I.) "He 
who stands still and commands," as shown by .similarity of signs to Sit 
here or Stand liere, " the man who stands still and directs." 

The extended forefiuger ()f the right hand (JT), of which tlie other tin. 
gers are clo.sed, is raised to the right side of the head and above it as 
far as the arm can be extended, and then the hand is brought down in 
front of the body with tiie wrist bent, the back of hand in front and the 
extended forefinger jiointiug downward. {Ihil-ofa I.) '-liaised at)ove 
others." 

Move the upright and exieiuled right index, palm forward, from the 
shoulder upward as high as the top of the head, turn it through a curve, 
aud move it forward six inches, and then downward, its palm backward, 
to the height of the .shoulder. (Dakota iV.) " Above all others. He 
looks over or after us." 

Elevate the extended index before the shoulder, i)ass it ui)ward as 
high as the luad, forming a short curve to the front, aud downward 
again slightly to the front. {Dakota VI, Vll; Hidatsa I; Arikara I.) 

Kight hand closed, forefinger pointing up, raise the hand from the 
waist in front of the body till it passes above the head. (Omaha 1.) 

Another sign : Bring the closed right hand, foretiuger pointing u]), on 
a level with the face; then bring the i)alni of the left hand with force 
against the right forefinger; next send up the right hand above the 
head, leaving the left as it is. (Omaha I.) 

Tlie right arm is extendetl by side of head, with the hand in jiosition 
(J). The arm and hand then descend, the finger describing a semicircle 
with the arm as a radius. The sign stops with arm hanging at full 
length. (Oto I.) "The ai-m of authority before whom all must fall." 

Both hands elevated to a position in front of and high as the shoul- 
ders, iialms facing, Hngers and thumbs spread and slightly curved ; the 
hands are then drawn outward a sliort_distance towards their resjiective 
sides and gently elevated as high as the top of the head. ( Wyandot I.) 
" One who is elevated by others." 



.-.3 

Elevate tlie clcised liainl — index only exteinleil and puintiii-- upward 

to the front of the li-lit side of the face or neck or shoulder, pass it 
(piiekly ui)\vard, and when as lii.uli as the top of the head, direct it for- 
ward and downward auain toward the ground, (luiioica I; Comanche 
III: Apachr II ; Wirliita II.) 

Close the rijiht hand, index raised, extended, and ida<'eil before the 
breast, then move it forward fioin the mouth, pointiui;- forward, until at 
arm's lenjith. {I'tc I.) 

Head chief of tribe. 



Place both Hat hands before liie body, palms down, and pass them 
horizontally outward toward their resi»ective .si(h's, then make the sijiii 
for ('liicf. {A>-ik((r<i I.) •'Chief of the widf re<;ion and thoseuiuui it."' 

After pointinj;- out the man, point to the jiiound all tiii.i;jTS 
closed except tirst (.1 1, jioiiitin.u downward instead of upward), then 
point ujiward with same hand (J 2), then move hand to a point in front 
of body (I'^ii;-. 2), tini;ers extended ]»alm downward (\V 1) ami move 
aroiiml in cinde — over all. (Sniitiiitin I.) •■In this pla<'e lie is head 
over all." 

(irasp the forelock with the ris;ht hand, ])alm backward, i)ass the hand 
upward about six inches and hold it in that position a moment. {Pai- 
Ute I.) 

I'jlevate the extended index vertically above and in front of the head, 
holdinj;' the left hand, foretinjicr ])ointiuj;' upward, from one to two feet 
below and underneath the rii;ht, the position of the left, either elevated 
or depressed, also deiiotinu the relative position ol' the se<'<ind indixidual 
to that of the chief. {AjMclir I.) 



\^'ar. Head of a war party : Partisan. 



nd index- 
t forward 



First make the sign of tlu^ Pi|»e; then (H)en the thnm 
finger of the right hand, hack of the hand outward, mo\iii 
and ui)war(l iu acurve. ( Wicl.) By the title of'- Partisan" the author 
meant, as indeed was the common ex]>ression of the Canadian vov- 
ageurs, a leader of an occasional or volunteer war i)arty. The sign is 
exjilained by his account in a different connection, that to become recog- 
nized as a leader of such a war party, the (irst act among the tribes 
using the sign was the consecration, by fasting surceeded by feasting, 
of a medicine ]iipe without ornament, which the leader of the expedition 
afterward bore before him as his badge of authority, and it thereforft 
naturally became an endilematic sign. There may be interest iu noting 
that the "Calamhu-of the Dakota Nation" (IJulletin ('. S. (i. and C. 
Survey, vol. iii., Xo. 1), gives a tigure (No. 4.!. A. I). l'St2), showing 
"One Feather," a Sioux t-hief, who raised in that year a large war iiarty 
against the Cn)ws, which fact is siinjdy denoted by his holding imt, 
demonstratively, an untu'iiameuted piiie. 



54 

Combine signs for C'liieT and Battle. [Arnpaho I.) 

First make the sign for Battle and tlien tliat for Cliiel'. (T)a- 
l-otal.) " First iu battle." 

Of a baud. 



Point the extended index forward and npward before the chest, then 
place the spread fingers of the left hand around the index, but at a short 
distance behind it, all pointing the siinie direction. Ahead of the re- 
mainder. (Arilara I.) 

(Jras]) the forelock with the right iianil, palm backward, and pretend 
to lay the hair down over the right side of the head by passing the hand 
iu that direction. (P((ii'te I.) 

The French deaf mute sign for Order, Command, may be compai'ed 
with several of the above signs. In it the index tij) first touches the 
lower tip, tlu-ii is raised above tiie head I'lid brought down with violence. 
[Venndijiimciit iirimairv desi .soHrdx-iinicts ; pur .1/. iV7/ss)er. Paris, 1S.5(!.) 

Child; Bal>y; Infaiit; Otf^prin;;. 

Bring tlie hirers and tliuinli of tlic right hand and ]ilace them against 
the lips, then diaw tlu'iu away and biing tlie right hand against the 
forearm of the left a.s if holding an infant. Should the child be nmle, 
prefix the sign of a man l)efore this sign, and if a female, do so by the 
Sign of the wouKiM. [Dunbar.) 

If an ln<lian wishes to tell you that an individual present is his off- 
spring, he points to the i)erson, and then with the finger still extended, 
passes it forward from his loins in a liue curving downward, then 
slightly ujiward. (Lou;/.) 

Pnsh the index-finger rapidly into the air then draw the haud back 
downward. ( Wied.) The right arm is brought u|) and flexed toward 
the body. The o\)en hand then describes a semicircle downward and 
outward similar to the curve of t'arus, and stops with the hand erect. 
The i>alm is first toward the body, but at the completion of the sign, 
outward. There is no similarity between this sign and Wied's save in 
the nu'fhod of indicating its age or size. The upturned palm as indi- 
cating species will not obtain among the Otos. [Boteler.) "That has 
been born cr come forth." The distance from the ground when the mo- 
tion ceases indicates the height of the child referred to. Indians often 
distinguish the lieight of human beings by the hand placed at the proper 
elevation, back downward, and that of inanimate objects or animals not 
human, by the liand held back upward.' 

A son or daughter is exi)ressed by nudcing with the hand a nH)vement 
denoting issue from the loins; if the child be smafl, a bit of the index 
held between the antagonized tliumb and medius is shown. (Burton.) 



no 

(\nvsses, I)y a iiiiiii : hv a woman. Iiy a motion rcint'sciitini; parlnri- 
tion. ( M((C(it>iran.) 

Pass tin- hand dow uwanl from the aliilomcn. Ix-twccn tlic legs, indi- 
cating that it came that way. {fhxhjr.) 

Right hand fingers somewhat cmved and sc])arati'd and iichl forward 
and liiglier than the wrist, i)ahn down, moved in a short arcii from side 
to side at the heigiit representing the chihl indicated, and as if rulitiing 
the t<ip of the head. (AiMcltr I.) 

Small. 

I'laee the right hand a conple ol' feel from tlie gronnd, or lowei-. liai'k 
forward and tingeis jxiinting upward, then close both hands and place 
them in front of the navel, hacks outward, the riglit list alxmt three 
inches above the lett, and while in this position extend and ticx the 
hands at I he wrist once or twice. {f>ah<>f(i l\'.) "In arm and small."' 



( )nt' able to walk. 



Itiglit hand extended in front of the body on le\el with the breast, 
back of hand out, lingers joined and jiointing obliipiely towaid the left, 
turn rlu' hand over with palm looking downward (\V), and carry tiii^ 
hand downward as though la\ing its jtalm on the toj) of a child's head, 
the distance of the hand from the gi'ound indicating thi' height and ap- 
proxinuitely the age of the child. [Ihilcoia I.) "Indicating a child's 
age by its height." 

Drnf-iniitr nntnral s'kju for c'lild, not a hnJ>y in ((rms.— \'iU the hand 
when naturally stretched out down to the knee, (/.arson.) 

The Cistercian nuinks, vowed to silence, and the Mgvptian hicrogly- 
jihers, notably in the designation of Ilorus. their dawii-goii. used the 
linger in or on the li])s for "child.'" It has been conjectured in the last 
instance that the gesture implied, not the nnxlc of taking nourishment, 
but inability to s[)eak — in-fon.s. This conjecture, howcvci', was only 
made to exiilaiu the blunder of the (ireeks. who saw in the hand [ilaced 
connected with the mouth in the hieroglyph of Ilorus (the) son, " llor- 
(p)-chrot,"" the gestuiv familiar to themsehes of a tinger on the li]is to 
ex]U'ess "silence," and so mistaking both the nanu' and the characteri- 
zati(ui, invented the (iod of Silence, Ilarpokratcs. .V carelul exandna- 
tiou of all the linear hieroglyphs gixcn by ('lianii>ollion (Dictioiniaire 
l5gyi)tieu), shows that the tinger or hand to the month of an adult 
(whose posture is always distiiu-t from that of a child) is always in con- 
i;ection with the positive ideas of voice, mouth, speech, wi-itiug, eating, 
drinking, &c., aud never with the negati\c iilca of silence. The special 
character for "child" alway.s has the above nuMilionecl ])art of the sign 
with reference to nourishment from the bieast. 



56 



llaliv, Iiitniit. 



Place thf tor('liii,i;er in the mouth, /. e., a nursing child. {Arapiiho I.) 

(1) Sign for woman made from shoulder downward; (!') lowered in 
accordance with size and height of child. If a baby, both hands open 
and palms slightly curled uj) brought up to front of breast, slight up- 
ward and sidewise rocking motion imitated. {('Iieyennv I.) 

Lay the back of the right hand in the palm of the left crosswi.se on 
the left side of the breast, and make the uj) and down movemeuts as 
though holding and dandling an infant. {Jkikota I.) " iSex of the child 
can be designated by its apjjropriate sign." 

Move the opened right hand, palm backward, fingers pointing down- 
ward, from the lower part of the chest downward until it is in front 
of tiie lower i)art of the abdomen, here tnrn the palm downward and 
move the hand forward about eighteen inches; then raise the left 
elbow and fix it about six inches forward from the side, the wrist in 
front of it and three or four inches higher, holding the hand slightly 
flexed, its i)alm liackward anil lingers pointing ui)ward, and lay the 
back of the ojjened right hand on the left forearm near the elbow-joint. 
(Ddkiita IV".) "(living birth to, and holding in the arm." 

The right arm is flexed and hand brought against abdomen about the 
undjilicus. The hand is in iiosition (!•» 1) ; modified by being inverted. 
The hanil with palm towards the body then roughly des. ribes '■ the 
curve of Cams" or course of the ftetus in delivery. The sign is com- 
pleted at end of curve by the hand being helfl erect, palm outward, 
ba<;k towards the body. [Oto I.) "That which hath come forth." 

Right and left hands carried to the left breast as if hokling a very 
small infant tliere. (Coincuichc I.) 

Deaf- unite ii<(tiiriil sii/nx. — By sucking the finger and placing the hands 
a small distance ai)art to denote the size of the child. {Ballard.) 

Dandle an imaginary baby in the arms. (Larson.) 

To move the arms as if to dandle a baby in the arms. (Zeh/ler.) 

Boy. 



Hold ui) the index-finger. (Dodge.) "This is used when indicating 
my hoj/, as when given alone it would also signify man.'' 

liight hand tiglitly closed; tiien jilace it before the body, extend the 
index ]Kiinting ii|)ward. (Ali.santh-a 1; Slioslionl and Banalc 1.) 

I'lace the hand in first position for lYlaii, then open all of the fingers 
and move the hand to the right about a foot to the height of the boy 
referrcul to, the hand to be horizontal, i)ointing forward, and its back 
upward. (Pal.iila IV.) '-.Male one." 



Boy, is\v\. 

Tlu' most iiiitiiral siousdcscriiituvof tlie sexual organs. {Co>ti(iiichr I.) 

dill. 



Join the two outstietclied tlminlis and foretiiij^cis and jilace tlieni be- 
fore the crotch. Given when (•(Uiversinj;- with a jierson litth' ac(inainted 
with sifjiis. (Dodge.) 

Sif^n for ^qiinw. To indieate statnre, liohl tlie liand. jialm (h)\vn 
and tinners extended and joined, at tlie proju-r hei,i,dit. {Ariijinho I.) 

Pas.s the Hat extended hands, tinj;-ers joined, down the sides of the 
head as far as the shoulders, when they are drawn forward and outward 
a short distance, eiidiiij; with the tips ])ointin!j,- towards one another and 
jialiiis down. Then hold the left hand and arm transveis(>ly l)efore the 
liody, i)ointiii,i;- to the rij>ht, and i)ass the right index downward along 
the abdomen, passing it underneath the left hand, then outward and 
ii])ward, hohling the index as high as the face. (Alis((n>h(i I ; Sho.shoni 
and Banal- ].) " Woman born." 

]\Iake the sign for~\Voiliai> and designate ag<' a|>])id\imately by the 
distance the right hand is held from the ground, /. e. the cliild's height. 
The longer hair denoting the sex an t the height age. [Ihikota I.) 

First make the sign for ^Voiliaii; then move the hand, back forward, 
down to the height of the girl referred to. turning the fingers upward 
and slightly Hexing them and gathering their ends (thumb included) 
into a circle about two inches in diameter. (Daliota W .) "The women 
wear the hair behind the ears and plaited." 

Kight hand carried to the iiaxcl. then with extended iialm. ling"r.s 
together and iKiiiiting downward, move the hand downward to the 
groins, and then outward, iialm still downward and lingers together. 
{Comnnvhe I.) 

Extend the k'ft forearm at an angle of 4.j^, forward and upward from 
the elbow, place the extended Hat right hand with the outer edge 
against the middle ()f the forearm, then di'aw the left towards the 
breast, the right retaining its relative position while doing so. (Utc I.) 

IJotli hands arched or curved, palms facing and about four inches 
a]>ait ; tlu'ii ]>lace the right hand, lingers extended lint joined, to the 
left breast. (Apache I.) 



Offspring 



Pass the hand, tingers extended downward and joine(l, ]ialm toward 
the boily, downward, clo.se to and in front of tlie body, changing the 
direction outward between the thighs; literally, " out of the loins,"' or 
else imidying the act of iiarturition. (Arapulio I.) 
S 



Is " (leuoteil by a sliglitly varied diuiib show of issuance from the loins," 
the line traced sliowinj;- a close diagnosis of parturition. (Dakota I.) 

The right hand, hack forward, in the position of an index-hand point- 
ing downward, is held before the abdomen and then moved downward 
and forward in a curve. {Mumhin and Hidatsa I.) 

Place the left elbow against the side of the chest and bring the hand 
up to within about eight or ten inches of the face, then lay the right flat 
hand edgewise transversely into the angle formed by the left arm and 
forearm. { Wyandot I.) 

Children. Young men and women. 

IJoth hands closed and liehl at the height of the shoulders before the 
body, forefingers straight and extended, i>ointing upward ; move them 
up an<l down alternately and repeatedly. (Absaroka I; Shnshoni and 
Banal- I.) '• The individuals; lepresented by the sign tor man." 

Cliieiniiinn. 

Place the tips of the right hand, thumb, and lingers together, then 
from the center or top of tiie head make a spiral movement downward 
and in front of the shoulder reaching as far as the hip. (Alisaroka I; 
Shoshoni and Banak I.) " Represents the iiueue." 

Ciiinnhai*. See Color, Veriiillioii. 

Clean. 

With the thumb and forefinger of both hands, an arc of a circle 
(semicircle), rest of lingers closed, and then the hands are carried 
downward at the sides of the face in front of body below the breasts, 
tips of fingers and thumb looking inward, and complete by making the 
sign for hnnd!«oine. {Dakota I.) " From ' handsome, i)retty.' Clean, 
l>retty face would seem to be intended." 

Clear. (Compare Liji^ht.) 

The hands are uplifted and s])rea(l both ways from the head. {Dun- 
har.) 

Both hands with palms downward, lingers extended, pointing straight 
to the front (W), are brought together in front of the body on a level 
with the stomach, and then moved sidewise from each other on the 
same level for a few inches. {Dakota i.) "Resembles somewhat the 
sign tor broad, and also for Hat, level. The separation of two 
bodies, the hea\'ier f dling to the bottom as in the clearing of water." 

DcaJ-inntc natural siyn. — Look at the sky and arch the arms and 
hands towards it, and move tiieni apart to indicate the absence of ob- 
struction bv clouds. {Ballard.) 



59 

Clock or watch. 

.Make the si^ii for Klin to the right of tlie body licij;lit of liead, and 
then close all the flnjjers except the index \vhi<!li ])oints upright, carry 
the hand ol)li(nieIy downward toward the right, describing with the 
index a circle decreasing in size as tlie hand is carried downward. 
{Dakota I.) "Telling time liy tlie sun's nioveineuts." 

The right hand with the index hooked is maih' to describe the arc of 
the horizon before the forehead. Tlu> left arm is then semi-extended, 
lingers collected, but the index and thumb crooked to foiin a circle. The 
right index in i)osition (K) now describes a circle over the left index and 
thumb as held aliove ; then a second cir<'le to indicate hour-marks is 
made in dots, as it were, then the ;irc of the horizon is divided off, as it 
were, in points. {Oto an/IMisKoiiri 1.) "Something circular that marks 
the divisions of daily time.'' 

f'lodiiiis. BIniikct, robe. 

Pass both lists, crossing, in front of tlie breasts, as if wrajjping one's 
self up. ( Wied.) Sign still in use, but nowadays for blanket as well as 
robe. {Mdttlictcii.) 

Robe, red. 

First indicate the wra])ping about the shoulders, then rub the right 
cheek to indicate the red color. ( Wud.) Here he means blanket, not 
buttalo-robe, which shows that in liis day the same radical sign was 
used for l)otii. (See sign for OInilket.) Buffalo robes were never 
painted of a uniform color, except when rubbed with white or yellow 
earth, never certainly green or blue throughout; but red, green, and 
blue are favorite colors for Mackinaw blankets. Tiie signs for the 
colors are the essential jioints to be noticed in the.se descriptions. A 
color may be indicated l)y rubbing any object tliat possesses it, or pre- 
tending to rub such an object. (Mattheics.) 



Kobe, green. 

Indicate the wrapping aliout the shoulders, and with the back of the 
left hand make the gesture of stroking grass upon the eiirth. ( Wied.) 
Same remarks are ai)plicable to this as to Robe, Red, 'y. >'. (Mat- 
thews.) 

Put them on in pantonume. (Burton.) 

Pantomimic show of enveloping oneself in a blauket as woru by In- 
dians. (Arapttho 1.) 

Both hands closed, as though loosely clasiiing the edge of a blanket, 
and brought uj) in front of the middle of the breast, the left hand over 
the right, as thougii folding the blanket around the shoulders. (Chey- 
enne 1.) 



60 

Toucli tlic ;irriclt> in qnestioii ; in its absence, a pantomimic show of 
where it should he if present. (Arapnho I.) 

Is denoted by crossin,;;- both arms in front of the body on a level with 
the breast, and close to the body, with the hands grasping a fold of the 
blanket — the same as a sliawl would be worn. [Dah)ta I.) "From its 
use as a covering." 

From an njiright position, just above the corresponding shoulder, ))alm 
forward, move each hand across tlie chest, and, gradually rotating the 
hand until its ])aliii is backward, ])lace it against the opposite shoulder, 
crossing the fore-arms on the chest, tlten rub tlie back of the left hand 
with the ends of the tingers of the right. {Dakota IV.) " Wrapping a 
blanket around the shoulders." 

Use both hands as ii drawing a blanket around the body and shoulders, 
crossing the forearms over the breast in doing so. {Dakota VI, VII.) 

The arms aie Hexed and liands in t\ pe-i)osition {S) crossed on the front 
of breast. Then witlidrawn o|ien downwards and outwards over liml)s. 
Sometimes liotli ha ids in above positions are made simply to touch suc- 
cessively limbs, l)o(ly, and arms. {<>to I.) "That whicli wraps or in 
closes me."' 

The left |)alm is laid u])on the cliest, then both hands are opened and 
thrown l)a(!k on a level with the shoulders. The hands are now gradu- 
ally crossed on the breast, being closed tistlike as they come together. 
{Oto and Missouri I.) "The manner of folding something over the 
body." 

Fold arms aeross the breast, signifying drawing the blanket about the 
shoulders. {S((liajiti)i I.) 

Elevate both hands cliiii'hed (A) on a level with the shoulders and 
then jerk them across to the opposite shoulder after the manner of wrap- 
ping u]) in a blanket when it is cold. For a buffalo robe the sign is the 
same, only a previous sign indicating the robe is used. {Comam-Jte I.) 



Of skin, or a butt'alo robe. 

The hands are placed near the shoulders, as if holding the ends of the 
robe, and then ci-ossed, as if drawing the robe tight around the shoulders, 
(Long.) 

Combine signs for C'lotliiii;;', IVooleii ISI.iiiket, and Bul- 
la lo. {Arapalio I.) 

.Sign for ^ikiil tbdowed by sign for Illanket. {Cheyenne I.) 

I'irst make tlie sign for Biiflhlo, and then the sigu for Blanket. 

{Dakota I.) "From its use as a co\ering." 



61 

Botli liands with tliiiiiibs and torctiiij^ers extended (K 1), ba<'k ofliand.s 
outward, are lironylit to the sides nf the head and carried downward 
slightly in front of the sides of tlie l>ody to the level of tlie lower rilis 
where the hands are turned so tlie t'liuabs and forefingers point down- 
ward. Pants, coat, and every otiier garment must be jiointed to tlie 
position wlicrc worn. {I>iil-iit<( 1.) "The entire covering of a person." 

Make the sign for wrapping a blauket around the shoulders, and tiicn 
to indicate the hair on the robe, hold tlie left forearm hoiizontal and 
directed obliquely forward and toward the right, and move the right 
hand along it from the elbow to the wrist, the back of the right liand 
against the forearm, its fingers and thumb somewhat cui\'ed and scjia- 
rated, pointing upward (as in P). {Dakota IV. 1 

('oat. 



Separate tlie tlminb and iudex-tinger of eacli jiaiid. and press iliciii 
downward over the sides of tlie body. ( WIeiL) 1 have descrilied a sign 
much the same for nhirt. Perhaiis he regarded the Indian iiunting sliirt 
as a coat, since it is used as an outside garment. Tiie motion lie de- 
scribes depicts the pnlliug down of a shirt over tlie head, not tlie jiut- 
ting on of a coat of Eiiroj)ean fashion. Coats must have been rare 
among the U])pcr Missouri Indians in is:5t. He says that the fliumli 
and forefinger are separated (but being thus mentioned togetlier he 
evidently saw them ai)proximafed). I liave described tliem as in con 
tact. Perhaps the sign is variable to tiiis trifling degrei' even wlieii 
made by the same person, the mere indication of the pulling down of the 
shirt being the essential point. (Miittli>irs.) 

With the fingers held as for Dres!*. Tililic, but witii tlie tlnimhs 
pointing, first carry the riglit hand along the left arm from the wrist to 
the shoulder and the left hand along the right arm. { Pitkntd IV.) "(Cov- 
ering the arms." 

The left arm is jiartially elevated and semiexteiided in a jiassive man- 
ner from the body. The right band is then brought over the extended 
left in tyi»e-itosition ( ^^). The back of hand more arched, and is drawn 
up over the left arm and rice rcrna. The fingers of both hands are then 
twisted over each other at ]ioints from the neck down the chest as in 
buttoning. [Ofo (tnd Missouri I.) "Something that covers our arms 
and is buttoned around the body." 

Deaf mute natural sij/iis. — Indicated by moving the hands along the 
arms up toward the shoulders. {Ballard.) 

Take hold of the front lappel of the coat with one hand to make a 
movement of it back anil front, and [loiiit to it with the other, nodding 
the head as if to indicate goods of the same kind, {llasenxtafj.) 



62 



Dress, Tunic. 



With tlie forefingers extended and pointing inward, liacks forward, 
and tlinmbs extended and pointing backward, tlie other fingers chjsed, 
move the hands from the front of the shoulders downward to the 
waist. {Dal-ofn IV.) "Tlie motion of i>assing a garment over the head 
and covering the body from the shoulders down." 

Shirt, hunting. 



The forefinger and thumb so opposed as to form a curve are passed 
near the surface of the body, from the forehea^l to the abdomen. (Long.) 

Forefingers pointing towards the hip.s, brought up along the sides 
and abo\ e the shoulders and pointed backwards. This sign may be 
reversed. {Cheyenne I.) 

Same as the sign for Clothing'. [Dalota I.) 

The tips of the thumbs of each hand are opposed to one or more of 
the corresponding fingers and the hands are then passed rapidly down- 
ward in front from the top of the head to below the stomach. {Mandan 
and Hidatsa I.) 

Trowsers. 

With the fingers held as for Tllllic, carry the hands from the knees 
upward to the waist. (DaJiota IV.) 

(loud. 

Begin with the sign of water, then raise the two hands as high as the 
forehead and, placing them with an inclination of 15°, let them gently 
cross one another. (Dioihar.) 

(1) Both han<ls partially closed, palms facing and near each other, 
Ijrought up to level with or slightly above but in front of the head ; (2) 
suddenly separated sidewise, describing a curve like a scallop; this scal- 
lop motion is repeated for "many clouds." (Cheyenne I.) 

Both arms fully extended at the sides of the body with hands hori- 
zontal, straight out, i)alms downward (W), are brought together with a 
curved motion in front of, but higher than, the head, so that the tii)s of 
the fingers i.ieet backs of hands upward [\¥). (Dahita I.) Resembles 
the sign for IVig-ht or Darkness. "The coming together of clouds. 
Darkness in the he;ivcns." 

('loiKliiii'MXi. daiii|>iieK<i>. 

May l)f signilied by making the sign fi)r 8llloke, the hand ascend- 
ing, then descending, by constantly revolving motion. (Arapaho I.) 



63 

€liib. 

I'oiiit to a i)iece of wood witli the riji-lit index (M), and tlien strike the 
jiahii of the tiat, horizontal h'ft hand (X), hehl in front of tlie body, 
fingers poiuting toward the right, witli the edge of the tingers of tlie 
right crosswise. [Dakota I.) " From strilving w itii a chih." 

€onl. 

The left hand is carried down and lield at the level of and in front of 
the left breast from a little higher elevation, with palm inward, tingers 
joined extended, slightly arched, and pointing towards the right, hand 
horizoidal (bank or blntt), and then the right hand in tiie same [(osition, 
except ends of extended tingers pointing toward the left, is carried out 
in front of the hotly, and its back struck several times against the i)ahn 
of the left (hard), and then the right index is carried from left to right 
along the nnddle of the i)alm of the yet stationary left (this indicates 
the vein of coal,) and then the left hand is dropped down in front. The 
thickness of the vein itself and its de])th below the surface can also be 
approximately indicated in this sign. Xo written language could con- 
vey to the mind a more gra|)hic picture than does this to the person 
who has ever ascended the Missouri, and seen the veins of coal cropping 
out of the river bluffs and baid^s. (l>al:i>t<( I.) " A vein of coal crop- 
ping out of a bank." 

Collee. 

Left-hand tist (A. 1) held to the left side of body in front of stomach, 
the right hand brought over it, end of index resting on end of thumb 
(other fingers closed), back of hand upward ; then tiie right is turned in 
a circular manner as though turning the handle of an upright coffee- 
mill. The sign for Kettle can lie made to indicate the lioiling of the 
coffee or the sign for Drinliii;/ to indicate that it is made. [Dakota I.) 
" From the grinding of the coffee." 

The arms are semi-extended and hands (as in type-posture (C 1) modi- 
fied by being horizontal) made to rub circularly, the palms slightly 
separated This is followed by signs for Water, Fire, and Uriiik. 
[Oto I.) " Something to be ground, then subjected to fire and water, and 
drunk." 

C-oiii. 

A shaking of tingers and tluunbs. [Macf/owan.) 

The tingers of the right hand closed, leaving the thumb and iiulex 
curved, with tips joining, thus fornnng a circle. The liand is then Judd 
outward toward the right side, showing the circle to the observer. 
{Absaroka 1; Shoshnni and liaiiak I.) " Round, like silver or gold coin." 

Join the tips of the tliund) and forefinger of the same hand, the inte- 
rior outline approxiuuiting a circle. [Arapaho I.) 



64 

The arm is raised to tlii- bead, and the ri;;lit index tinker hooked 
describes the hat-mark of the forehead in sign for Wliitr mail or 
American. The arms then diverge \va\e like from the sides of the body. 
The left hand is then brought before the liody. The index and thumb 
form a circle in imitation of the outline of the silver dollar, as in (CJ). 
The extended ri<;lit index tinger is then drawn across the circle of the 
left hand twice. (Oto aud Mim>iiri.) " The round, marked currency of 
the white man." 

Coitus. 

The extended index of the right hand (the hand usually back down- 
wards, other fingers flexed) is grasped by left hand, palm upwards. In 
this position the index is usually moved back and forth, /. e., in aud out, 
once or oftener. (Mamhoi and Hidatm I.) 

Aiistralittn sif/n. — Fingers of both hands closely interlocked, backs up 
and horizontal. This is used ceremonially in oflering their women to a 
visitor as a rite of hospitality. (Smyth.) 

Cohi. 

The same as for Air. but when applied to a person the right hand is 
shut aud held up nearly opi)osite the shoulder, aud put into a tremidous 
motion. {Dunbar.) 

The arms with clinched hands held up before the breast, thrown into 
a tremulous motion, as if shivering with cold. (Lonij.) 

(l) Bo:h hands, palms facing breast, awkwardly closed, as though 
numb with cold, and brought to a level with the shoulders which (2) 
shrugged ; (3) hands slightly motioned downward, forward, and side- 
wise, to imitate violent trembling. {Chri/enni' I.) 

Hold the clinched right hand (or both) in front of the shoulder, then 
cause the fist to treMd)le as if shivering from cold. {Dakota VII.) 

With both fists clinched and held drawn up near to the shoulders, 
imitate trend)ling, as from cold. {DakotaVI; JBidatsa I; Arikara I.) 

Roth hands cliiudied, cross the forearms before the breast with a 
trend)ling motion. {Hidat.sa 1; Arikara I.) 

Both arms are uniforndy fiexed and made to ajjproach the chest. The 
hands are (in type-postm'e^(B 1) modified by jjalms facing chest) then 
made to tremble before the body. {Oto I.) '• That makes nie shake or 
tremble." 

Elevate both hands, clinched, to the shoulders; then let them shiver 
a little back and forth. This sigu^ varied as follows, indicates chill and 
fever. After the cold sign is used, place both bauds clinched (B) beside 



65 

the teini)Ies, ;iiiil let the fingers i\y outward, and clinch them ajjain, and 
let them tlyontward aj;ain. This indicates tever in tiie head. [Coiiuinrhcl.) 

Same sijiii as for Winter. {Aiiaclie 1.) 

It is. 



Wrap up, sliudder, and look disagreeable. (Bnrton.) 

Cross both hands (B) at the wrists a few inches in front of tlie body 
on a level with tlie breast, and then make a shivering' motion with botli 
hands and arms. ( Dakota I.) " Resembles somewhat the sign for Blan- 
ket ; covering'. The idea of shivering with cold." 

Deaf-mute natural xignn. — Shudder with the shoulders. (liaUard.) 

Shiver, with your hsts near tlie breast. {Cross.) 

Make a rai)id movement of the clin(!hed hands from and toward each 
other with tlie eyes lifted toward the person spoken to, and then i)oint 
iu the direction from which tiie wind is blowing, so as to indicate that 
the weather is cold. (Haseiistah.) 

To shiver, moving the closed lists. [Larson.) 

Close the fists and draw the arms toward the body with a motion of 
shivering. (Zei(/ler.) 

Color. 

First and second lingers of the right hand extended, tlinml) resting 
on the third finger which with the little finger is closed, are brought to 
the front of the l)ody and to the left side over the left hand, which is held 
slightly obllcpie (B) on the left side of the body about a foot to the front 
of the left breast, and tiieii the two extended fingers of the right iiand 
are rubbed over the back of the left hand. 

This is generic. The i)articular color must be designated after mak- 
ing this sign in each instance by touching something of that color. 
{Dakota 1.) " Mixing the paint on the hand to see its color before using; 
much the same as painters try a color on a board, or anything with a 
proper back ground to display it." 

Black, White, Red, Blue, Yellow, etc. 

With arm elevated, semi-tlexed, the hand iu position (K) pointed to 
these ditt'ereiit colors, whether represented in the vault of the firmament 
or articles of dress. White is sometimes indicated by pointing to the 
sun, and black by pointing to sun then executing sign for i\o or the 
l§unN Netting'. {Oto I.) "As objects appear." 

Black. 

Rub the hair on the right side of the head with the tiat hand. ( Wieii.) 
The hair of the Indians being nearly always black, that object is natur- 
ally selected as indication of that color. 
9 



66 

First make the sign for Color, and then touch sometbing black. 

[Dal-ota I.) "Designating a particular color." 

Kul) along the Ijack of the left hand with the palm of the tiugers oi 
the right, back of left up palm of right down. Or point at a black ob- 
ject. {Dakota IV.) 

Pass the fingers of the right hand gently over the hair on the right 
side of the head. (Dakota V.) 

Deaf-mute natural sif/n.— Show the end of the nail of one finger of the 
one hand with the forefinger of the other hand i)ointing at it, on account 
of the color of the dirt under the nail. (Larson.) 

Blue. 



With two fingers of the right hand rub the back of the left. ( Wied.) 
It is conjectured that the veins on the back of the hand are indicated. 

First make the sign for Color, and then touch something blue. 
(I)akota I.) '• Designating color." 

Gray. 



First make the sign for Color, and then touch something of gray 
color with the right index. (Dakota I.) " Designating color." 



Green. 



With the back of the left hand make the gesture of stroking grass 
upon the eartii. ( Wild.) 

First nuike the sign for Color, and then touch something of green 
color. (Dakota I.) '"Designating color." 

Point at a green object and then rub the radial edge of the left hand 
with the fingers of the right. (Dakota IV.) "Colors are usually desig- 
nated by pointing at or rubbing some object of the color referred to." 

Denfmuie natural sign. — Point the finger to grass. (Larson.) 

Ked. 



Kul) the right cheek to indicate the red color. (Wied.) The red re- 
fers to the ]iaint habitually used on the checks, not to the natural skin. 
The Indians know better than to designate between each other their 
natural color as red, and have been known to give the designation red 
man to the visiting (Caucasian, whose blistered skin often better deserves 
the epithet, wliich they oidy apply to themselves in converse with the 
compiering race that insisted upon it. The author mentions in another 
connection that the Mandans used red on the cheek more than on other 
parts of the liody on which parts other colors were generally displayed. 



G7 

Make the sign for Color, niul tlicii ti>ucli utiv red oliJL'ct witli the 
rijiht index. {T>al-ota I.) 

Hold the left hand as for fSipolted, and rnb its npper edffe with the 
ends (if the hnyers of the rij;lit hand. (Ihikotn IV.) 

l\ul> the elieek with the fingers. {l>(il;otn VI.) 

Kub the right cheek with the palmar snrfaee of the extended tingers 
of the right hand. (Kaiowa I; Comanche \\l; Apache \l; Wichita 11.) 
"From the cnstom of coloring the cheeks red." 

Hub the elieek with the i)almar surface of the extended and joined 
ttnger.s of the right hand. Sometimes both hands are nsed in coiumu- 
nication witli Americans. (Ute I.) 

Vermillion, cinnaliai-. 

Kub the right cheek with the tingeis of the right hand, (^^"^e<^.) 
Still in nse. (Matllwim.) 

White. 



With the underside ot the lingers of the right hand rub gently upon 
that i)art of the left hand which corres])ouds with the knitting of the 
bone.s of the forefinger and tliumli. (Ihiiihar.) 

First make the sign for Color, and then loucli anything wlnte with 
the right index. {Ikikota I.) 

Extend tlie left hand, palm up, tlat, with fingers si)read before the 
brdy, and draw tlie index of the right from the tip of the middle finger 
of the left back across the palm to the wrist. Light color compared 
with the darkness of the skin generally. {Ufc I.) 

Dfa/mute naUiral sign. — Point the huger to the human skin. {Lar- 
son.) 

Yellow. 

Sign for Color, and then touch something yellow. [Dalola I.) 

" Designating color." 

Com It. 

Curve tlie sjiread fingers of the right hand into a half circle, then 
pass them over the hair of the right side from above downward, as if 
eond)ing- one's .self. The hand is then brought forward again, still in 
the same condition, to indicate the object. (Dakota V.) 

Coiiibut. See Battle. 

Come, To; to arrive. 

The forefinger moved from right to left with an interru|)ted motion as 
if imitating the alternate movement of stepjiing. [Iliinhar.) 



68 

Elevate the index flnger near the face, extend the hiind, and return it 
with a miuiber of gentle .jerks. ( n'(«7.) The simple idea of "come" is 
expressed by a straight and unvarying motion of the finger, as you 
imitate in your remark. Prince W. gives liere a variation which sigui" 
lies coming from a distance or making a journey witli halts. He says 
"gentle jerks;" I say "wavering motion." We both mean the same 
thing. The interrujjtiou of motion may indicate nightly camps. {Mat- 
thews.) The right arm extended with the hand in typeposition (K 1), 
index a little more opened, i)ointing to the individual, then describing 
an arc towards the body with slk/ht jerkim/, the index sharply hooked. 
There appears to be reasonable similarity to Wied. It is probable that, 
were the latter descrijition more explicit, with some allowance for mis- 
interpretation, the identity of the conceptions and similarity of signs 
would be more plain. (Botclcr.) "To approach or draw near unto in 
both." 

(I) Forefinger of right hand pointed to j)erson addressed, the finger 
tips i)ointing upwards and palm inward ; (2) hand drawn toward face. 
In rapid coinnuinication, the pointing with the forefinger is sujjcrseded 
by a motion of the whole hand towards the object addressed. The back 
of the hand is kept towards the person, the finger tips upward, palm in- 
ward, and motion made towards the speaker's face with the first two or 
three fingers of his liglit hand. (Cheyenne I.) 

Hold the left hand a foot in front of the chest, its back forward, 
fingers ])ointing a little ujjward toward tlie I'ight, and bring the palm 
of the right hand backward against it smartly, the fingers of the right 
pointing a little ui)ward toward the left. [Dakota IV.) 

Elevate the right hand, back forward, quickly elevate the index and 
throw it back into its i)lace again. (Dakota VI; Hi<lat>ia I; Arikara I.) 

The right arm is extended fbrwar<ls nearly or quite to full length, the 
right hand erected by full fiexion of the wrist, making the back of the 
hand look forwards, the index only is extended. Then the hand is 
drawn inwards close to the chest. This is used for Come in l)oth an 
indicative and imperative sense. (Mandan and Hidatsa I.) 

Place the closed hand. Hexed at the wrist and pointing upward, palm 
toward the face at arm's length to the front and right of the body, ele- 
vate the index, and bring it slowly in jerks toward the l)ody. (Kaioira 
I; Conianelir III; Apache II; Wichita IL) 

(In the im])erative.) 

Right hand extended length of arm, palm upward (V), bring it to you. 
The same sign is used by whites in the States. (Comanche I.) 



f59 

I or w«>. 

I'lace botli liaiids i)aliii to [laliii, and pa.ss tliciii in -icntli' and intcr- 
im)tt'd aiidied niovcuR'nts to tlic front, rcseiublinj;' tlic motion of walk- 
ing-. {Fail'tcl.) 

l^.ack. 



Beckon in tlic Eiirojx^an way, and draw the forefinger toward your- 
self. (Burton.) 

(1) Sign for (i;o away: (l-') sign for Come; that is, gone away and 
com e back . ( C hey en ne I . ) 

The .sign can be made by a simjile motion of tiie right hand perjien- 
dietdar, held at the arm's extended cajiacity at the side of the tiody and 
drawn back toward the left in front of the body, provided the penson 
being called back is near enongli to see it. (Dnhitii I.) "Calling a 
jierson back." 

Ihii/miitc nafurdl nujn. — Stretch out the hand to denote going away, 
and then move it towards one's .self. [lidllard.) 

Here. 



The hands stretched outward \\ith the i>alm under, and brought back 
with a curxc iiTotion downward and inclining to the body. {Dunbar.) 

Beckon with the foretinger as is done in Europe, not as is doiu' in the 
East. (Burton.) 

(1) The .sign for t'oilie is first nuide; (!.') drooped fingers slightly ex- 
tended and reversed from jiosition assumed in making the sign for 
"come;" (.'{) suddenly dropi)ed to iiulicate desire<l i)ositiou. (Chci/- 
fnne I.) 

Place the right index upright, back forward, at height of shoulder, at 
arm's length, other tingers closed, thumb against nuddle hnger, tlieu 
bring the hand near to the shoulder. (Ddhita IV.) 

The right arm was extended and the hand in typci)Osition (K 1), 
modified by being hehl back outward and downward, palm upward 
and inward, was made to i)oint with index to the object. The arm i,s 
then gradually and uniforndy flexed toward the body; the hand in 
above po.sition approaching the body, palm upward, in a semicirc-le or 
by jerks, the index sharply hooked. (Oto and Missouri I ) "Draw- near 
me." 

Dtaf-inute natural nirpis. — Moving the hand toward one's self. (f!al- 
lard.) 

Use the open hand as if to beckon to somebody- to come, and, at the 
same time, nod the head. (Haxenstah.) 



70 



('ouR' to this place, To. 



Make the sign for t'oilie, and as the hand is brought in tront ot 
the body throw the pabn against the horizontal palm of the left hand. 
(Koioiral; Coinanclie \ll; Apache 11; Wichita II.) 

Coming' (participle). 

Right hand and arm extended, band clinched, index-finger pointing 
outward. Then bring the hand slowly to the body, the index-linger 
meanwhile moving backward and forth, as if it alone were motioning 
some one to come. {Comanche 1.) 

Arrival from a great distance. 



The hand is i)la(!ed as in Come, but as far to the front as possible, 
and then drawn slowly toward the body, sometimes with a laterally 
tortuous motion. [Mandan and Eidatm I.) 

Of a person ; to arrive ; soon to be here. 



Place the forefinger in a vertical jiosition, with the arm extended to- 
wards the point from which the person came, or is to come, then bring 
it gradually near the body, but not in contact with it, or, if he continued 
on, carry it in the direction he i)assed. (Loixj.) 

Claj) the hands, elevating the index-finger of the right 4iand. ( Wied.) 

Is always used in connection with the object acting; for instance, ap- 
proaching objects are jjointed out. described, enumerated, and sign for 
''(u)nH'" made from the direction of the api)roaching object to the front 
of the jierson speaking. (Cheyenne I.) 

Of a person. 



IJight arm fully extended to the right side of the body (wliich must 
be so jjlaced that the hand in this position will })oint in the direction 
in w hich the ])erson is coming), forefinger extended, straight, upright, 
resting on the thumb extended along it (other fingers closed), back of 
hand outward; bring the hand to the body (breast) in this position by 
a series of jerking movements (nearly stopping its motion), in imitation 
of the step])ing of the coming person. From the walking movements of 
the approuchin<i person. Come, — In the sense of he Has come; he Has 
arrived ; he Is here. On the completion of the above sign, clap the 
liands once at the left side of the body, indicating the jierson has come 
to his journey's end. { Dakota I.) 

Hold the right hand at arm's length, a little higher than the shoulder, 
palm turned toward the face, and index elevated; then bring it back- 
ward in an interrupted motion to near the l)reast, where the left palm is 
held edgewise, ])ointing forward, when the ball of the right hand is 
bronglit against it with a slap. {Dakota VII.) 



71 



Toward you. 



Right baud flat and extended, held edgewise, thrust theliaud toi ward 
in a curve either upward or downward. {Omaha I.) 

Deaf-mute nnlKnil sii/n. — Stretch np the open hand over tlic shoidder 
or thi^ hand, indicating tlie heiglit of tlie person eoining, next point to 
him, and then use the open liand as it' to beckon to come, and at the same 
time nod the head. {Hasensfah.) 

Coiiip.-iiiioii : ill ouiii|>aiiy. (Compare Kelalioii'«lii|i.) 

The two foretingers art- extended and ])laeed together, with their backs 
njiward. Tliis sign is also used tor llii<«l>aiid. (/>«»//.) 

Two foretingers held motionless together, tonching throughout their 
length in front of breast, backs ui)ward. {('hci/cintc 1.) 

The forefinger of each hand extended, pointing straight to the front 
and Joined (all other lingers of both hands closed), hands horizontal, 
backs uiiward, on level of the stomach, and close to the body, are car- 
ried forward for about eighteen inches with a curved upward movement, 
so that when the .sign is completed the fingers are on a lc\ el w ith the 
upi)er part of tlie breast, jiointing obliipidy ui>ward. (Dahita 1.) " In- 
separable, united, equal." 

The arms are flexed before the body and the hands, in type position 
(S), ajiproximatiMl i)alms in contact, before the chest. The arms are 
then semi-extended, and the indices in type position (J), horizontal, are 
crossed, the hands, thus " in situ,''^ describe a wave-like motion forward, 
as in going on one's way together with one to whom we are attached. 
(Oto and MissDuri I.) "A friend who is (h'ar and accompanies me." 

Both hands closed (11) and brought within two inches of each other, 
index-fingers pointing outward, then let both hands move outward a 
foot or .so. (Comanche 1.) 

Traveling. 8ee Friend . 

For life. 8ee Hiiwltaiid and Wile, the Same, Equal. 



€oiui>ari<»oii; .llore, .Howl. 

In comparison the signs for Ijittle and Big' are used as represent- 
ing "more," "most." (l><iki>ta I.) 

Coiupiaiwaiii'e. (Compare dilad.) 

Coiii|>iilMio!i. 

Italian xit/n. — The thumb is helil under the chin to indicate being laid 
under necessity. (Butler.) 



72 
Coiiteiiipl. liiMiilt. (Compare Di!^g list. ) 

Close or shut tin; ri,i;lit hand and hold it drawn toward the chest and 
on a level with it, with the palm up and the shut fingers and thumb 
up; and the expression of contempt is given by extending out the hand 
and arm directly in from the body, at the same time opening the thumb 
and lingers wide and ai)art, so that at the termination of the motion the 
arm is nearly extended and the thumb and fingers all radiating out as 
if it were from the center of the hand, and the palm of the hand still 
pointing upward. (Ojihira III.) 

Indicate by turning from the object, move both hands and arms to 
riglit or left, with palms outward, as if in the act of pushing away the 
person or object ; stand erect or lean back a little. [Ojibwa IV.) 

My observations agree with Dr. Mattbews, connection with ''bad," (see 
p. 2(J, Introdn(;tion to the Study of Sign-Language, by Gr. Mallery), and 
also with Giltillan (fecj citato), as expressing the highest degree of "cou- 
temj)t;" at the same time the contemiit is expressed by facial emotions. 
{Dalxota I.) " Derivative of bad." 

This is expressed by the sign for Bad, but the motion is more forci- 
bly made. If the ])erson at whose expense X\w sign is made is present, 
the hand is moved toward him and the face is sometimes averted from 
him. (Man<t<(ii and Hi(lats<t 1.) 

ItaUan mjn. — Thrust out tlie foretinger and the little finger, calling the 
gesture by a name very similar in sound to "tig." "To turn up the 
nose at"(Englisli phrase) is translated into the Italian gesture by doing 
the thing it describes, and i)ossibly owes its origin to the same gesture. 

[Butler.) 

Content. See Glad. 

Corn. 

Same as the sign for the Ai'ikara Indians, which see. Planting 
corn is made with the right band nearly as (U), pointing toward the ground 
at the right side of tlu! body, and moved along as though dropping the 
grains of corn into a hill, and then the hand is turned sothat the tingers 
point upward, which probably indicates that the com has been planted. 
I am not aware that the sign resendtles an.y other made by the Sioux, 
but the hand is invariably turned upward at the time indicated above. 
(Dakota 1.) " From the iilanting of corn." 

Same sign as for Arikara. (Kaiowa I; Comanche III; Apaohell; 
Wichita II.) 

Collect the fingers and thumb of the right hand to a point, pass the 
tips upward from the height of the pubis as higji as the head, then pre- 



73 

tend tit grasp an imafiiiiary object, holdiiij;- the radial side of the hand 
downward toward tlie left, then throw tlie hand forc^iblyon its hack over 
toward tlic rij;lit. lU'iiresents the stalk and the breaking off of the ear. 

(Utel.) 

Standing. 



Close the right hand, extend the index, iioldiiig it upward, back of 
hand near the ground, and gradually and interruptedly elevated to the 
height of the head. (Utc I.) 

Correct. See True. 

C-oiiBifiiB^. or sagigBicr.'itioii. 

The lingers and thiunbs e\i)anded count ten. In older to jirocecd 
with the enumeration by tens the hands must be cnnched, and if again 
expanded it connts twenty, and so on, the hands being (•linched between 
every ten. In order to iiidicaU' the digits, clincli the iiands and extend 
the little fingei' of the lel't hand tor one, extend also the ring linger for 
two, and so on, the tluimb for hve ; these must remain extended wliilst 
the thundi of the right is extended for six, iS:c. Any nnnd)er within five, 
above any lunnber of tens, is iniUcated by clinching tlie left iiaiKland 
crossing the right over it, with the recjuisite number of lingers extended. 
For tlie number of sixteen, exhibit the sign of ten and then extend four 
lingers and the two thumbs in the order of eiium<'iation ; for seventeen, 
proceed by extending tlie foretiiiger of the rigiit hand, and so on to 
twenty. In this manner any sum can be denoted, always holding the 
backs of the hands ujiwaid. When enuineraling a small number where 
a considerable exertion of the memory is ie(iiiisite, the Indians extend 
the left hand with the jialiii njiward, whilst with the index of the right 
the tingers are sticcessively bent into the iialm, beginning as before with 
the little linger, and the greater diHicult,\ in recalling to mind the iiuni- 
bers or events the more apparent lesistance is olfereil to the intlexion of 
the finger. [Loin/.) 

Klevate the indextinger and move it forward to indicate one, twice 
for two, etc. When counting on the tingers begin at the left hand. 

(Wied) 

Show the required number of tingers; the system of tens obtains. 
{Am pa ho I.) 

Left hand held up to, on a level with, and in front ot the .shoulder, 
right hand partially clo.sed, forefinger slightly extended and(l') toucluMl 
successively to the tingeis of the left hand from little linger to Ibrelin- 
ger. This i.s the abstract! idea of counting. {ClwiU'itiic I.) 

Left hand (P) extended in front of body, then with the right hand, of 
which the thumb and forelinger are extended (K 1), tap with the fore- 
10 



74 

linger of the iij;lit liaiid carli liiif^cr :iii(l tliiunh of the left hand ; closing 
the finger at the time of tapping, it indicating that it has been counted. 
Where multiples of ten are to be used, one ov both hands, as may be 
requireil, aie held in front of the body nearly together, with fingers 
extended, i)alm outward, hands upright, and the fingers closed and 
opened as often as may be necessary. 

Your riMuarks on page 133 of " Introduction to the study of sign lan- 
guage," after IvohFs sign for " (Quantity, many, much," are correct. That 
observer has without doubt cDufounded these signs, as I have seen 
many Indians, beh)nging to difierent tribes, using the sign he gives for 
quantity in (counting, and if there is any one universal sign it is this one 
for counting. (Dakota 1.) 

J >(((/- III ufc natural sij/iis. — ^love alternately each forefinger on the tips 
of all the fingers. [Larnon.) 

Toucli tiic lingers one after another witli one finger. [Cross.) 

I'oiiiitry, Bi;i»<L 

I'oint toward the ground a short <list,ince before tlie body, slightly 
stoo-ping, and directing the eyes to tlie same point. [Absaroka I ; Sho- 
slioiii anil Baiuik I.) " When the country is at a distance, the fist is 
thrown toward the ground, outer edge down, at arm's length, in the 
direction of tlie location of the region." 

My. 



First malce tlie sign forCniiaili'V, followed by tliat for JTline. [Ah 
snroka I ; Slioshoiii and lianak I.) " When possession is elsewhere the 
arm is extended in that direction, which, with the sign for PoS'!ie§- 
!«ioil, signifies .Ifi/ coinitri/, the sign for the latter being dropped." 

€oiii't>>liip. 

Place the closed right hand near the hii), the index extended and point- 
ing forwanl. the thumb extended toward the left and upward at right 
angles to the axis of the index, tiien move the liand forward to arm's 
length, rotating tlie hand and forearm during motion. (Kaioiru. I; Co- 
manche III ; AiMche II ; Wichita II.) 

C'o«'. 

The two forefingers brought u]i to the side of the head and extended 
outwards so as to i-epres(Mit tli(» position of the horns. {Dunbar.) 

(I) Sign for IIikoii ; (-) motion of milking made with both hands. 
(Cheyenne 1.) 

Hold the crooked right index at the right side of the head to repre- 
sent the horns, auvd then make the sign for Female, applied to ani- 
mals. (Dakota I.) " Horns and sex." 



75 
(Jonard, oo«:irdi«'t'. See Fear. 
C'raiio. 

( )pcii both liiiiids, move tlicm IVoiii tlie sides of tlie eliest (iiit\v;ii(t and 
backward (as if swiuiining', but near tbe ixidv) ; then (dose the ri^ht 
liaiid, h'aA'ing- the foretinuer extended and slii;htly enrved ; ])ass it from 
before the chin, n[)\var(l, forward, and sbnlitl.y downward, forming an 
arc to indicate tlie hint; neck of the biid. (I>iiki>t<t \ .) 

Craxy or dt'iiB^iticd. 

Raise ri,i;iit liand, w itii tinjiers ])artly distended, above tlie head, tii«^ 
hand droo|)iiin, and make qnielc circles close around top of the head from 
rii;ht to lett, and <«. shake of the head. (OJihira IV.) 

Move the opened ri^ht hand through a circ^le abo\-e and aiound the 
head. {I>«l:<>tii W.) " Head turned." 

t;ro««>, >iii8ky. 

Place cliuched right hand (C'. with thumb close to foiehead), turn the 
hand till jialm faces outward, then move it to the front slightly. (Chcy- 
eniif 11.) 

Same as the sign for Aii;!;'4'r, not made however with as much force 
and omitting liny decided facial expression. (IhihilK 1.) '• Derivative 
of anger." 

C row . 

Fingers and thuinli of right hand brought to a point and motion of 
]iecking slightly made. (Clicfinnii' I.) 

('iitliii;; aiiylliiii;; in pierce. 

Draw the right hand, palm backward, tingers pointed obli(iuely up- 
ward toward the left, four or tive times across the advanced left hand 
forearm, and arm, eac-h time at a different iilace. (Onhvfa IV.) 



With an ax. 



With the right hand tiattened (X changed to right instead of left), 
])alm ui>ward, move it downward toward the left side repeatedly from 
ditferent elevations, ending each stroke at the same point, (l)i(kota 1, V.) 
"I'rom the act of felling a tree." 

liepeat the sign for /\\ sl^\■eraI times, making the cuts from differ- 
ent jioints, but terminating about the same i)lace each time. (J><il(}fa 
VI; Hidatm II ; A>-il:<tri( I.) 

With a knife. 



Left hand (Tl 1) extended in fn^nt left side of body on level breast, 
and the right hand (S) brought crosswise over the extended lingers just 



76 

below tlic knuckles. {Dakota I.) "Cutting anything in two with a 
knife." 

(I) Ijeft hand open, ilatteued and held out, lingers of right hand also 
open and tlattened and placed above left hand, little linger toward palm 
of left hand ; (2) suddenly drawn once or twice across the palm of the 
left hand to imitate the act of cutting. (Oui/rnm' I.) 

With the right hand, or index oidy, imitate cutting the left forefinger 
as if it were a stick. (Dahotu VII.) 

The hands are held as in sign for Knife, and then the right hand is 
moved upon the left crosswise to represent the act of cutting. [Mundun 
and Hidutxa I.) 

Tknf-mutf nalKral nii/n. — L'lace the forefinger of one hand upon that 
of the other, and slide it along in inutation of the action. {Ballard.) 

Use the slint hands as if to cut a stick with a knife. {H((sciiiilab.) 

Daiire, C'aBeiBiicl. 

The hand extended with the edge u])ward, and with the arm waved 
sideways, with a motion like that of a swing. {Loiu/.) 

Dniire, To. Danoiii^'. 

Ivise on toes and fall two or three times, the hands and arms by the 
side naturally. {OJIbiru IV.) 

Fingers and thumb of the right hand hooked (E), hand horizontal, 
back outward at the right side of the body is carried up and down sev- 
eral times with a moderately quick movement, ending each at the same 
point, in imitation of the up and down motion of the body in Indian 
dancing, consisting in keeping time with the legs to the tomtom. {Da- 
kota I.) "From a method of dancing." 

naii;;ei'. 

Crouch the body slightly, bend the knees forward, bend the head for- 
ward, raise the shoulilers a trifle, extend both hands in front naturally, 
palms down, bend elbow at nearly right angles, right hand in advance 
of left, move both slowly down a few inches and hold still. {Ojibira IV.) 

I'ight hand with first and second fingers extended (others closed, 
thumb resting on third finger (,\ 1), except that the hand is horizontal, 
back upward), directly forward in front of the right shoulder and then 
drawn back at the same time the body is thrown back. Cautions, pru- 



77 

der>t are indicated \x\ this sig;ii. Tlie idea bein.u' that the persoTi .sliall 
be cautious in his inoveuients as tliere may he (hiiiger ahead. (Da- 
kota I.) 

Bring the body (|iiiekly to an erect posture, at the same time iiaziiis; 
intently toward the expected source of dan.uei' witli a look uf flight. 
(Wi/anilof I.) 

Phice baud in front of breast, tin,t;ers lioolvcd as thouj;ii hohlini;' a 
knife, baclv outward (F 1, liorizontal and back outward), then make 
motion as tliongli cuttinii- out the heart, first with tlie downward move- 
ment turnii\f;' l>aclc of tist upward, tlieu with tlie ipiick movement up- 
ward throwinji' bai'k outward aji'ain. (SalKtplin 1.) ''('uttinsi' out the 
heart." 

Brinj;- the rijiht hand from the rij;lit side and back of the body as if 
grasping a twig, bring the hand before the breast, make the sign for 
Ratlle, for IVo, and for <wO. {Apache 1.) " Information of the coming 
of that which will cause a tight, or questionable security, and a desire 
to go rather than encounter it." 

Danjierous. 



The left list placed horizontally before the lower end of the sternum, 
the right forearm passing before it jtointingto the front and left, so that 
the fist is about four inches before the left. Then raise the left fist 
slightly and throw it forward and down to the sanui horizon forcibly, 
followed by the right which forms a larger semicircle and ceases before 
the left as previously. (Kaimca I; Comanche 111; Apache II; Wichita II.) 

Dni*kiie!i>s. (Compare i\igiit.) 

Make the sign for Snii, then extend the hands horizontally forward, 
backs upward, and i)ass one over the other two or three times touching 
it. {Long.) 

Both hands sjiread out flat and cross vertically past each other before 
the face and neck. [Chci/cinic I.) 

Same as the sign for .\i;;'ht or CIoikIm. {Pakota I.) 

Deaf-mute nalaral sii/n. — Point at your eyes partly shut and then turn 
your face to the sky with your hand waving over your head. {Cross.) 

Daiii;ltter. See Relaliun^liip. daii;;^lifer. 

Da>'. (Compare $>»iih and £aKt ; ami Loiij;', in lapse of* time.) 

Place both hands at some distance in front of the breast, apart and 
back downward, elevate the index finger and move it forward to indi- 
cate one, twice for two, etc. ( Wied.) This is still iu use. The holding 
up of the index-fingers is not essential. When the hands are held as 



78 

described tliey arc first i)laced near to one another and tlien moved 
apart, as yon snf;jj:e.st. Since my memory is assisted I remember this 
sign well. (Mtttthew.) There is no observable difference in either exe- 
cution or eonceptioii between the sign {Oto and .If/.s'WMj-/ 1) and Wie<Vx^ 
(Boteler.) 

Make a circle with the thnmb and forefinger of both hands in sign of 
the sun. (Burton.) 

Bring both hands simultaneously from a jiosition in front of the body, 
fingers extended and joined, palms down one above the other, forearms 
horizontal, in a circularly s('i);nating numner, tt) their resi)ective sides, 
palms up and forearms hoiizontal ; /. e., "everything is open." This 
sign is the reverse of that for ^\i;;iit. {Arapaho 1.1 

Another sign may be indicated by making the sign for Slee|», and 
one finger touched or held up above, being the etpii valent of " oue sleep," 
one day. {Arnixtho I.) 

Forefinger of light hand crooked and held toward the east to repre- 
sent the sun, hand elevated, finger u])permost and passed in a semicircle 
down toward the west. J5oth hands slightly spread out and elevated to 
a iioiut in front and consiihuably above the head, then brought (h)wn in 
semicircle to level below shoulders ending with outspread palms ujjward. 
[Clwi/ennc J.) 

\\'hen speaking of a ilay, they i)ass the finger slowly along the entire 
vault of heaven, commencing at the east aiul terminating in the west. 
This is the sign for "one day." (Ojihica I.) 

Both hands loosely extended, palms down, the right lying over the 
left; then pass them outward toward their respective sides turning the 
palms a\y in so doing. (Absaroka I; Shoshoni and Banalc 1; Wyandot I.) 

Both hands ('W) are raised above the head the extended fingers hori- 
zontal, pointing toward each other (meeting), palms down, arms neces- 
sarily somewhat l)owed. Open ui) the hands so that the fingers point 
upright aiul at (Uice cany the arms out to their full extent to the sides 
on the level of the shoulders, bringing the i)alms'up (X). (Dalota I.) 
"The oi>ening of the day from above." "The disjiersion of darkness." 

From positions a foot or eighteen inches in front of the lower part of 
the chest, the open hands pointing forward, near together, i)alms ui»- 
ward,are to be .separated by carrying them out a foot or eighteen inches. 
(Dakota IV.) "All o])en." ' 

Another: F'roiii positions a foot or eighteen inches in fi'ont of the lower 
part of the chest, pointing obliquely forward and inward, palms down- 
ward, the right two or three inc^hes al)ove the left, separate the hands 



79 

about two feet, carrying- each one outward through an arc, gradually 
tiiruiuK tlie palms until they are upward. Uncovering the .sun. {Da- 
kota IV.) 

A (lay is indicated by making tlie sign for Kiiii, and moving the 
hand thus formed from the left horizon to the right, forming a lialf circle, 
and indicating the course of the sun through the sky. [Ihihota V.) 

Right hand closed, forming a circle witli th<' index and tliuml), move 
the liaiul from east to west, following the course of the sun. ( DakotK VII.) 

The head is turned toward the orieid and eyes wonderingly u])\var<ls. 
The right arm is then elevated scmi-tiexed to level of left shoulder. The 
band in position (J 1) modified by index beiiig a little more o|)cned (and 
horizontal ]>alm inwards). The haiul tlius jiointing toward easti'rn 
horizon, is made to traverse tlic arc of the vault of the heavens, followed 
by the eyes until it stops on level with right shoulder, iirm extended, 
crooked index pointing west. {Oto uuil Miantmri I.) "The time between 
the rise and encompassed by the course and setting of the sun." 

Both Hat hands with palms down arc held horizontally before the 
breast, the right over the left, then throw them outw.ird toward their 
re.spe(!tive sides, turning the ])alnis ui> in doing so. (lutii)u-ii I: ('omroi- 
cheUl; A2)(ichen; Wichita 11.) 

Close the right hand leaving the index bent in the form of a half 
circle, the index also extended, then i)ass the baud from east to west. 
(Pai-Utel.) 

Sign made for f^iiii, and iiass across the zenith from east to west. 
{Apache I.) 

Thund) and index circled; sweep hand from east to west across the 
sky. In rapid use tluunb and index are often i>arted, and the liaml is 
swept tlirough a very short arc, not above shoulder. {Apnclic III.) 

The French deaf-mutes fold the hands upon each other and the breast, 
then raise them, palms inward, to beyond each side of the head. 

To-day. (Compare IVow.) 

Touch the nose with the index til), and motion with the list toward 
the ground. {Biirtou.) 

(1) Both hands extended, palms outward ; (li) swept slowly forward 
and to each side, to convey the idea of openness. (Chcj/eniie I.) This 
may combine the idea of now with openneas, the tirst part of it resem- 
bling the general deaf-mute sign for Here or j\ow. 



80 

DesigUiite tlic liour simply. See Hoill*. {Arapaho I.) 

Poiut witli tlie liaiid to the east, and carry it slowly overhead to the 
west. {Iroquois I.) 

First make the sign for iVow, and then the sign for Day. {Dakota 
1.) " Now with openness." 

Make the sign for Day, to signify the period of time distinct from 
night. This being completed, the right hand was brought in modified 
position (I), from the stop at right to the center of forehead and made to 
describe a semicircle forward from the body toward the ground. The 
finger remains hookeil and palm outward and downward. {Oto ami 
Minsouri I.) "The day that is now l>efore me, or present time." 

Evening. 

Forefinger of right hand crooked as in sign for Ifloriiiiij^', and low- 
ered toward the west, followed by the sign for i\i|^'iil. {Chcijennc I.) 

Make the sign for Sun, and hold it toward the western horizon. 
{Ahmrohii 1; Shoxho)ii and Haitak I.) 

The right hand and arm, the former in modified position (1), index is 
more opened ; hand is hori/,ontal and palm inward; execute the sign for 
Day. At the comidetion of this sign the hand is (piickly everted and 
assumes type positifm {It); index is moved to the west. In this sign, 
as well as that for noon, morniiifi, dai/, to-moryoic, yesicrdaij, (Jtc, the sub- 
ject must be with his back to the north and right hand west. {Olo and 
Missouri J.) " When tlu^ sun goes down or at the coni-lusion of the day." 

Point the exteiuled index to the western horizon, or a little lower, by 
curving the index in that direction, the palm being below and still hori- 
zontal with the shoulder. (Pai-Utc I.) 

Make the sign for Siiii, i)a.ssing the hand slowly fioin the western 
horizon to a short distance below it, Iiolding it there a moment. 
{Kaioical; Comnnvhc III ; Apache 11; Wichita II.) 

Hour, time of day. 



Join the ti]»s of the thumb and forefinger of the same liand the interior 
outline api)roximating a circle, and let the hand pause at the proper 
altitude east or west of the assumed meridian. {Arapaho I.) 

Is indicated by making the sign for Sim, and holding the hand iu 
that portion of the course followed by the suu, to indicate the time to 
be expressed. {Ahsaroka I; Shoxhoni and BanakI) 

Can oidy be approximately told by i)lacing the sign for Sun in the 
jwsition in the heavens corresponding with the hour, dividing the time 
between sunrise and sunset into as nmny ecjual spaces as there are 
hours. {Dakota I.) 



81' 

.Miiniinji-. 

Make the. sion for ^»uh, ami hold it toward the eastern horizon. 
(Ahxarohi I; Shoshoni and Biiniil< 1.) 

First make the sign tor A^igiit and then the .sign for Day. .Morning 
can likewise be made by siraitly using the sign for day. ( Dalota I.) 
"Darkness has gone — daylight has come." 

Make the sign for Sim, and liold the hand below the eastern Iiorizon, 
moving it slowly to or a little abovt' it. {I>(il;<ttn VII.) 

The arm and hand (right) are elevated to left shoulder and the hand 
in modified position (I) is nmde to deseribe the sign for l>ay. The 
right arm is then brought extended across the npiier i)art of ehe.st, with 
hand in position (J 1), liorizont:il ; both arm and index fully extended 
toward the east, followed by the eyes. 77//.s- morninti i.sdeseribed in 
same manner after making the sign tor Toilaii. {Otit and MItoiouri I.) 
"The beginning of a day or today.'' 

^lake the sign foi- ^iiii, and hold tiie hand toward the eastern horizon 
a short time, or bring it above the horizon from a short distance below 
it, slowly. (Kdion-ii 1 : ('(iiitdiiclir III; Apache II ; Wichita II.) 

Point with the extended index to the eastern horizon. {I'ai-I'lc I.) 

Deaf-mute iiatxral sif/ns. — Point to the eastern horizon and move the 
foretinger a little way upward. (Uttllard.) 

Open your eyes, and, from the open hiind, raise your head to its erect 
position, as if you lia\"e just now arisen from bed. (Cro.v.s.) 

Noon. 



Make the sign for 81111, and hold it toward the zenith, so that tl.L' 
eye can see through the circle formed by the thumb and index 
(Abmrol-a I ; Shoshoiii and Banak I.) 

'Make the sign for Sim, holding the hand overhead, the onter edge 
upi)ermost. (lUihita IV.) 

The hand and arm are elevated to left shoulder and, with fingers in 
(I) position, modified by index being more open, horizontal, and palm to 
tlie breast, liegin the .sign for Day. This sign is then half executed, 
and the hand stopped in a line with the middle of the forehead. The 
index is then made to point to the zenith. The hand, when arrested, is 
in type position (I); it is quickly everted and assumes position (J) to 
complete the sign. {Oto and Mis.souri I.) " The half course of the sun 
or middle of the day." 

To-morrow. 

Describe the motion of the 'sun from east lowest. Anj' number of 
days may be counted upon the fingers. [Burton.) 
11 



82 

Sign for I¥i;;iit tollowcil by sign for ^iinriMe. {Cheyenne I.) 

■loin {\\v tips of tin- tlmnih and forefinger of the same hand, tlie inte- 
rior ontline approximating a circle, and describe therewith a space from 
left to right, corresponding to the snpposed course of the sun during 
twenty-four iKtnrs. To distinguish an liour, let the hand pause at the 
proper altitude, east or west of the assumed meridian. See lloiii*. 
(Arapaho 1.) 

First make the sij;ii for Sleep; then follow by counting one (see 
t'omitiiis), :"nd linisli willi the sign for f«iuili'i!«e. "One night's 
sleep." 

Bring the liand to sideof head, and with head reposing in right palm, 
eyes closed, liead and hand inclining to the right, which is the sign 
for Nlee|i. This completed, the right arm and hand are brought across 
the to)) of the chest, and describe the sign for Day or To-day. This 
sign, as is esident, is a com])(Hiiid sign, comprising that for Sleep, Ddi/, 
or To-ddi/. (Oh) fiiiil .][issouri.) "The day after we sleep." 

.Make the sijiii for Bay once, tiieii rcvei'se it, and stoj) at the point in 
the heavens indicating the intended time of the day. If noon, point 
directly upwards. To express two or more days, make the sign for Day 
and hold up the proi)er number of lingers. {IraquuiK 1.) 

Jhiif-nntte iidliinil nii/ii — Place the liand on the cheek, incline the head, 
and shut the eyes, to denote Sleep, and then raise the head and open 
the eyes to signify /i.wa5ie,an(l hold ni)the forefinger to denote One; 
that is to say, in one day. {Ballard.) 

Yesterday. 

Make with the left hand the circle which the sun describes from sun- 
rise to sunset, or invert the direction from sunset to sunrise with the 
right hand. (Burton.) 

Sign for i\i;;iit and SiiBl!>>et. {('Iici/cnnc 1.) 

The sign lor Da)k', To-llloi*i'un , the motion reversed. (Arajtalio 1.) 

Omit tiie sign for Sunrise; otherwise as l>ay, To-iiioi*i*ow. 

(Dakota I.) " Have slept one night." 

The right hand and arm are ele\at('d, and, with hand in type position 
(I), modilied by index being more opened, horizontal, and iialm to the 
breast, made to execute the sign for Day. At the conclusion of this 
sign the fingers are all collected drooi)ingly extended, touch at points 
slightly curved. Jn this i)osition the hand makes a sudden forward 
nu)vt^ment to tiie ground. (Oto and Minnourl I.) "The day or suu that 
has gone down." 



83 

■ Make the sign for :¥i$'iit, followed by tliat for Before, in lime. 

(Kaioirn I; Comanche III; Apache II; ^yichita II.) 

Dend. deatii. 

Tlirow the foreflnger fioiii the peipeiidicular into a horizontal jiositiou 
towards the earth, with the baek downward. (Lou;/.) 

Hold the left hand tiat over the face, baek ontward, and (lass willi the 
sindlarly held right hand below the former, gently striking or touch- 
ing it. {Wicd.) The sign given {Oto aud Missuxri I) has no similarity 
in execution or conception with Wivir.s. (Botcler.) This sign may con- 
vey the idea of "under" or "burial," (juite ditferently executed from 
most others reported. Dr. MeVhexnci/ conjectures this .sign to be that of 
wonder or surprise at hearing of a death, Imt not a distinct sign for the 
latter. 

The ttnger of the right hainl ]>assed to the left hand and then cast 
down. [Macijoiran.) 

riace the palm of the hand at a short distance from the side of the 
head, then withdraw it gently in an oldique downward direction and 
incline the head and niiper part of the body in the same direction. 
(Ojibira II.) This authority notes that there is an apparent connection 
between this conception and execution and the etymologv of the corre- 
sponding terms in OJibwa : '• he dies," is iiiho ; " he sleeps," is iiiba. The 
coiiunon idea expressed by the gesture is a. sinking to rest. The origi 
nal signitican<-e of the root ;n7; seems to be "leaning;" unibcut, "it is 
leaning; «»//ye/.v(77i(, " lie inclines the head sideward." The word «(7«t 
or nibv (only in compounds) conveys the idea of " night," perliai)s as the 
falling over, the going to rest, or the death, of the day. The term for 
"leaf" (of a tree or p'ant), which is (diihiih, may sjuing from the same 
root, leaves being the leaning or (h)wnhanging parts of the iilant. With 
this may be compared theC'lialita term for •■leivcs," literally translated 
" tree liair." 

Hold both hands open, with palms over ears, extend fingers back on 
brain, close eyes, and incline body a little forward and to right or left 
very low, and remain niotioidess a short time, ]nonouncing the word 
Ke-nccboo slowly. [Ojibira IV.) 

Left hand flattened and held back u])ward, thumb inward in front of 
and a few inches from the Ineast. Right hand slightly clasju'd, fore- 
finger more extended than the others, and jiassed suddenly under the 
left hand, the latter being at the same time gently moved towards tli j 
breast. (Vheijennc \.) " (!one under." 

The lett hand is held slightly arched, palm down, uearl.x at arm"s 
length before the breast; the right extended, Hat, palm down, and 



84 

pointing forward is i)usbe(l from the top of the breast, straight for- 
ward, underneath, and beyond the left. {Sho.shnni and Banak I.) 

Botli hands liorizontal in front of body, backs outward, index of each 
hand ahinc extended, the riglit in(h'X is passed under tlie left with a 
downward, outward and then upward and inward curved motion at the 
same time that the left is moved inward toward the body two or 
three inches, the movements being ended 07i the same level as begun. 
"Upset, keeled over." Many deatlis, repeat the sign many times. 
The sign furiuslu^d you before, I have since ascertained is not used 
in the sense of dead, death. Tlie sign credited to TitcJd-cmdtslii {Chey- 
enne 1) expresses "gone under," but is not used in the sense of death, 
dead, but going under a cover, as entering a lodge, under a table, etc. 
(Ihdotd I.) 

Make the sign lor .Vlivt*, then the sign for j\o. {Dalcofa IV.) 

Hold the left hand, palm downward and backward, about a foot in 
front of the lower part of the chest, and pass the right hand from be- 
hind forward underneath it. O)' from an upright position in front of 
the face, back forward, index extended and other lingers closed, cany 
the right hand downward and forward underneath the left and about 
four inches beyond it, gradually turning the right hand until its back 
is ui)ward and its index points toward the left. (Dakota IV.) "Gone 
under or buried." 

Hold the left hand slightly l)ent with the palm down, before the breast, 
then pass the extended riglit hand, )>ointing toward the left, forward 
under and beyond the left. {Dakota YJ, VII.) 

Hold the right hand Hat, i)alm downward before the body, then throw 
it over on its back to the right, making a curve of about tifteen inches. 
{Dakota VI; Ilidatsa I; Arikaral.) 

Extend right hand, palm down, hand curved. Turn the palm up in 
moving the hand down towards the earth. {Omaha I.) 

The countenance is brought to a slee])ing comi)osure with the eyes 
closed. This countenance being gradually assumed, the head next 
falls toward either .shoulder. The arms, having been closed and 
crossed upon the chest with the hands in tyi)e positions (O B) are 
relaxed and drop simultaneously toward the ground, with the fall of 
theheatl. This attitiule is nuiintained some seconds. {Oto and Missouri 
I.) "The bodily ajjjK'arance at death." 

Place the open hand, back upward, fingers a little drawn together, at 
the height of the breast, pointing forward ; then move it slowly for- 
ward and downward turning it over at the same time. {D-oqiiois I.) 
"To express 'gone into the earth, face upward.'" 



85 

Tlie flat light hand is waved outward and downward toward tlie same 
side, the head being inclined in tlie same direction at the time, with 
eyes closed. ( Wyandot I.) 

Hold the left hand loosely extended about titteen inches in front of the 
breast, i)alm down, then pass the index, pointing t() the left, in a short 
curve downward, forward and upward beneath the left iialm. (luiioira 
I; ComaHchelll; Apache II; Wichita U.) 

Bring the left hand to the left l)reast, hand half I'linclied (H), then 
bring the right hand to the left with the thumb and forefinger in such 
a i)Osition as if yoxi were going to take a bit of string from the fingers 
of the left hand, and pull the right hand otf as if you were stretching a 
string out, extend the hand to the full length of the arm from yon and 
let the index finger point outward at the conclusion of the sign. (Co- 
manclie I.) "Soul going to haii])y Imntinggrounds." 

Close both eyes, and after a moment throw the jialm of the right 
hand from the face downward antl outward toward the right side, tlie 
head being drojjped in the same diiection. [Utc I.) 

Touch the breast with the extended and joined fingers of tlie right 
hand, then throw the hand, iialm to the left, outward toward the right, 
leaning the head in that direction at the same time. (Ajxu-he I.) 

Palm of hand upward, then a wave-like motion towards the ground. 
(Zuni I.) 

Deaf-mute natural signs. — Place the hand upon the cheek, and shut the 
eyes, and move the hand downward. (Ballard.) 

Let your head lie on the open hand with eyes shut. (Cross.) 

Use the right shut hand as if to draw a screw down to fasten the lid 
to the cottin and to keep the eyes upon the hand. (Tlasenstah.) 

Move the head toward the shoulder and then close the eyes. (Larson.) 

The French deaf-mute conception is that of gently falling or sinking, 
the right index falling from the height of the right shoulder uiioii the 
left forefinger, toward which the hea<l is inclined. 

Die, To. 

Eight hand, forefinger extended, side up, forming with the thumb 
an (D); the other fingers slightly curved, touching each other, the little 
finger having its side towards the ground. Move the hand right andleft, 
then forward, several times ; then turn it over suddenly, letting it fall 
towards the earth. (Omaha I.) "An animal wounded, l>ut staggering 
a little before it falls and dies." 



86 

D.viiig. 

Hold the left liaiul as in dead, pass the index in the same manner 
uiiderneatli the left, bnt in a slow, gentle, interrupted movement. (Kai- 
ou-al; (kmanche III ; Ajiache II; IVichitaU.) "Ste]> l>y step; inch 
by inch." 

nearly, but recovers. 



Hold the left hand as in dead; pass the index with a slow, easy, inter 
rnpted movement downward, under the left palm, as in dying, bnt 
before ])assing from under the palm on the opposite return the index in 
the same manner to point of starting, then elevate it. {Kaioiai I ; 
Comanche III ; Ajwchc II ; ^yi(■h^tfl II.) 

Deaf. 

The tip of the right index is inserted in the riglit ear, withdrawn and 
rotated around the organ. [Duliota I.) "This would seem to indicate 
' a noise in the car preventing hearing.'" 

I>eo|». 

Ixiglit hand with fingers extended, joined, back outward, ends of tingei'S 
iminting straight down, is carried ilownwar<l in front of the right side 
of I lie b(id.\ to near the ground, the body being inclined forward at the 
same time, toticliiiig the ground, indicating that although deei» the bot- 
tom had l)cen readied. (Ihtlola I.) '-Finding the de]ith of water, etc." 

Place the tlat liand, jialm down, several feet from the earth, or at 
such elevation to show de](th, and i)ass it slowly to oh<' side. {Dalota 
VI; Hidaiso I ; Arihira I.) 

Deer. 

The riglit hand extended upwards by the right ear with a quick |)utt 
from the mouth. {Dunbar.) 

The forefinger of the riglit hand is (■xt<'iidcd vertically, with tlic back 
toward the breast; it is then turned from side to side, to imitate the 
motion of the animal when he walks at his leisure. (Loni/.) 

I'ass the njilifted haiiil to and fro several times in front of the face. 
{Wied.) I have given you much the same sign for " wiiitc-tailed deer," 
but I have said that all lingers, except the index, were flexed. This 
may not be absolutely essential in making the sign, wliich is simply de- 
signed to imitate the peculiar motion of the tail when the animal stands 
obser\ing. {Maflheirs.) The right arm is elevated to the front of tlie 
body and the right indcxfinger, in position (i?!), projected forward sev- 
eral times. The hands, with extended ajid divergent fingers, as in posi- 
tion (l»), arc now placed asid(i of the head to represent the animal's 
horns. The right index-tinger i.s now extended full length and wagged 
beliind. The above Otn sign differs from that of Wird's in execution, and 
in the latter tlic conception is wanting, which is the animal with branch- 
ing horns that runs in jumi)s. (Boteler.) 



87 

Ext(>n(l tlio tlmmhs and the twoforefinji'ers oC cacli liaiul on each side 
of the head. {Biirti>)i.) 

Both hands, rtnj;cr.s iircj^uhirly oiitsprcad and ek'vatccl to sides of 
bead to represent ontspread horns of deer. [Cheijenne I.) Tliis sitjn is 
made l)y onr deaf-mutes. 

With tlie rijiht hand in front of the Itody on a level with tlie breast 
and about eifihteen inelies from it, baclv of hand to tlie ri^lit (S 1), 
make (piiek sidewise motions with the hand in imitation of (lie motion 
of tlie deer's tail when running. The wrist is tixed in making' this 
si.nii. Corrreeted Irom sii;n before given. (DaJxota 1.) "Movements 
of the deer's tail when running." 

Hands ajijilied to each temiile. lingers s|)read and puintin^ upward. 
{Dahlia 11.) "Horns." 

Bring~right hand t" a lexel with the shonlder. thumb and forefinger 
curve(l, three lingers enr\cd and nearly closed ( x ). .Move thuiid) and 
foretinger forward, wrist motion alone, imitating the luovements of the 
animal. (Omaha I.) " The deer runs." 

Similar to the jireeeding, but with wrist and arm moliou, witii hand 
raised high above the head. [Oiiialui I.) "The deer bounds away."' 

Hold the right hand down, extend iudextinger, thumb ti|> touching 
tip of middle finger; shake index-tinger rapidly. {Omaha 1.) "The 
deer goes along rapidly, making its tail shake.'' 

Hold right liand next to left siionlder, thumli crossing middle finger 
at first joint ; move index-finger back and forth to and from left .shoulder. 
{Omaha I.) " The deer's tail shows bright or red in the distance as it 
leaj)s away." 

Similar to the preceding, but tiie hand is held in front on a level with 
the face and moved right and lelt. {Omalia I.) "The deer's tail shows 
white suddenly." 

Tlie right arm is elevati'd and tlie right index extended is thrown 
forward several times. The hands with extended and divergent fingers 
as in position (I), are placeil aside tlie head to resemble the luanelii'ig 
horns. Finally the extended iiidex-fiiiger is wagged from the seat ot 
body. {Oto and ^fi.s.soiiri !.) "The branching horns, short tail and 
leaping motion of the animal." 

Imitate the motion of a deer running by closing the hand, jialiii down- 
ward, except the two forefingers, which are only a little bent downward. 
Then move the hand forward from you with a rather slow n]>-aiid-down 
motion, slightly moving the two forefingers — the whole designed to 



88 

mimic tlie loujiJumi>s witli wliicli n deer starts otf. If necessary to ex- 
plain tills linthcr, place one hand on each side of the head to represent 
horns. {Inx/uois 1.) 

riace both hands, tlat, with lingers and thnmlis spread, on either 
side of the head and a short distance from it. ( I'tr I.) 

Place the hands with fiiii;eis fully extended and spread aliout twelve 
inches from either side of the head and slightly above it. {Apnche I.) 

Black-tailed \('(tr>ncm nidenitis (Hay), GrayJ. 



First make the gestuie for Deer then indicate a tail. {^Yie^l) 
When he says "indicate a tail," 1 have little doubt that he refers to the 
sign I have already gi\-en yon for ileer, hhwliailcd. [Mandan and Eidat- 
sa I.) I do not think it is either essential or common to "make the pre- 
ceding gesture" either "tirst" or last. (Mattheirx.) 

Extend both hands, hngers close' together, place them with palms to 
front on e;ich side of the forehead, lingers upward, and then make short 
motions back and forth in imitation of the movements of the large ears 
of the animal. [Ikil-ofn II.) 

With the right index, its jialm inward, on the light side, at the height 
of the hip, pass the left index, back forward, from its middle forward to 
its end. (lUihitu IV.) "That much black." 

The left hand is held jiendeiit a short distance in front of the chest, 
thumb inward, linger ends approximated to each other as much as 
possible (/. ('., with the 1st and 4th drawn together under the -d and 
;5d). The right hand is (hen clo.sed around the left (palm to back and 
covering the bases of the left-hand lingers) and drawn downward, still 
closed, until it is entirely drawn away. This sign seems to represent the 
act of smoothing down the fusiform tuft at the end of the animaTs tail. 
[Mundnn and Hidatxa I.) 

White-tailed [Cariacns vir(/inia>nis macyuriis (Kaf.) CouesJ. 

Move the right hand, its palm obli(]uely forward and downward, from 
side to side two or three times about a foot, through an arc of a circle, 
at the height of the hip, on the right side (the tail of the deer); then 
with the palm inward and the tingers pointing forward, cast the hand 
forward several times through an arc of about a foot to imitate the 
jumping of a deer. {Dalota IV.) 

The right hand is held upright befon^ the chest, all hngers but the 
index being bent, the i)alm l)eing turned as much to the front as possi- 
ble. The hand is then wagged from side to side a few times rather 
slowly. The arm is moved scarcely or not at all. This sign represents 
the motion of the deer's tail. {Mandati and Hidatsa I.) 



89 

Elevate the tbreariu to tlie heislit of tlie elliow, pointing" forward, ex- 
tend the dattened hand, ])oiiitin<;' upward, with the jiahn forwai'd; tlii'U 
throw the hand riglit and left several times, the motion beini;- rotation 
of the forearm. [Arikarn I.) '-From the motion and whiti' ajipearanee 
of the deer's tail in running-." 

Defiance. I defy yon. 

Toint to the person ,vou defy to do tlie act with the riglit index 
(others closed), and then turn the band, extend the lingers so that they 
will ajtpear as figured in (V), when the hand is drawn into the body with 
considerable force. This would indicate Come and do it, but thiu'inplia- 
sis of the uiotiou and aceonipanying facial cxiiressiou indicate soum^- 
thing stronger than invitation. (l>((h)tu 1.) 

The right hand closed with the index only extended and slightly 
crooked, palm facing front; hold about twenty inches in front of the chest 
and wave the hnger from side to side, movement being nuide at the 
wrist. {Kaioira I; Ci>iii(tn(lir ]\l: Apaehr II; Wichifii II.) 

Itiiliitn sii/ii. — Every tyro in Latin knows that extending tlie middle or 
little linger, gestures .still made every day at IJome, was a token of 
scorn or defiance. 

I5ite the foieftnger, commonly with the Joint nearest the end bent — a 
gesture which throws light on "the biting the thumb at me," with which 
Konieo and Juliet commences. 

When one would kill the hopes of a mendicant and say he will give 
nothing with emphasis, he blows on his hand and shows it wide open to 
the petitioner or elevates one forefinger, shaking it gently to and fro. 
{Buthr.) 

Deily; (ioA; Great •"ipirit: Great Father; :TIa!«iter of 

MIe. 

Blow upon the ojien hand, jioint upward with the extended index- 
finger whilst turning the closed hand hither and thither, then sweei> it 
above the earth and allow it to drop. (Winl.) I have never seen this 
sign. I once extracted a bullet from the leg of a deaf and dumb Indian 
of Sioux descent who hail lived long among the Arikaras. When the 
operation was completed he made some iireliminary sign (for thanks) 
which 1 did not observe well, and then pointed to me and upward 
to the sky. One of the best interi)refei's in the country, who was a by- 
stander, told me that the Indian thanked me and the Great Spirit. I 
say "me" first as he first pointed in my direction. {i\[(iflheii:s.) There 
is uo similarity in the sign {Olo 1) and ]Vied\s. {Botclcr.) 

When speaking of the Cireat »Spirit they usually make a reverentia^ 
or timid glance upwards, or jioint the forefinger perpendicularly l)ut 
gently to the sky. {Ojibira I.) 
12 



90 

First iiiiiUe the, sifiii lor ^ju'retl and then make the si<;n for Bijf. 
(Dakota I.) ''The great Sacred lieino-." 

First make tlie sign for ^Icdiriiit'-iliail, and then after plaeing- 
the opened relaxed hands, pahns inward, aliont six inciies apart, np- 
riglit, jnst above the liead, move theai apart to arm's-length. (Dalcota 
IV.) "A thunder clond coming n|) and si>reading." 

Point toward tlic zenith, allowing the eyes to follow the same direc- 
tio;;. (DiiUoia \'I1.) 

The arms are tiexcd and both liauds elevatetl o|)en as in position reji- 
re-sented (\V). When hands are elevated on sides of head on a level 
with the eyes a uniform swaying "to and fro" movement is ])erformed, 
followed by an ujiward movement of right hand as in hand position (J). 
{Oto I.) '-Ilim above who is an angel 'on the wing.'" 

Close the right hand, leaving the index straight and extended (or 

slightly (Uirved); hold it before the face, move the hand quickly forward 

and downward for a distance of about six inches, then pass the index 

verti(!ally upwacd bdbre the face aliout as high as the top of the head. 

rir 1.) 

IClcvate liaiid toward sky, delilierati'ly ; looking upward. {Apache III.) 

Extend the right hand with tin' index pointing upward, tiie eyes also 
being turned upward. ( Wicliita 1.) 

Ikaf- III lite natural .sif/iis. — First close the lumd except its forelinger. 
and then move it uj) slowly and also turn the eyes toward tlie eloiuls 
with a soh'Min expression, (fla^irii-'itah.) 

To look up to heaven, at the same time to point with the forefinger as 
if to point to iicavcn. {/I'ijiler.) 

Il<'l>ar(. Js^ec <«o. 

I)e*lj'«yed; all gone; no more. 

The liands held horizontally, and the jialins rubbed together, two or 
tliree times round, the right hand is then carried off from the otber, in 
a short, horizontal lairve. [Jjohii.) Hubbed out. This resend)les the 
Ediiiburg and our deaf-nnite sign tor "forgive" or " ckiuienity," the rub- 
bing out of olfense. 

Left hand held in tVont, outspread. ]ialm ujiward, right-hand tiugers 
extended, palm down, swept rapidly across palm of left. IJight hand 
sometimes held out after ])assing over the lett with fingers wide spread 
and shaking as if exiiressing liad in the sense of no f/ood. {Cheyennel.) 

• Move lioth hands as if in act of rending asunder or tearing in pieces 
and throwing aside with violence and sudden jerks of hands and anus. 
{Ojihtra l\.) 



■91 

Exhausted, consumed, completed. 



Tlie left liaud, extended, ])alin upward, pointinj;- dia;;(>nally fbiward 
and to the vight, is i)laeed before the chest. Then the iij;ht hand, 
palm downward, is laid transversely on the left, and, while the left re- 
mains stationary, the rij;lit is carried forward' a foot or more with a 
rapid sweep. To show a iiradual diminution and tlicn exhaiisijdn. tlie 
rifi'ht palm revolves on the left once or oftener with a gradual motion, 
as if some idastic substance were made spherical between the i)alms. 
(Maudanaiid HMatm I.) 

riace the o])en left han<l in front of the navel, jialni baclcward, and 
move the opened riijlit haiul, i)alni downward, in a ln)rizontal circle 
al)ove it. (Oto I.) "All caught, killed, or destroyed. That's the end 
of it." 

This sii;u resembles tliat for iio. Tlie ri.ulit arm, tle\<'d, and the 
hand, in jtosition (B 1), modified by beiiin- more horizontal, is brou};'ht 
to the epijiastrium. Tlie arm is tlien suddenly extended, hand likewise, 
with tinners exten<l<'(l approximated, palms downward. The left hand 
in the same position approaches the side of the right, both now being in 
type-position CW), diverge and sweep backward. (Oto niid ^fis!<ol(^■i I.) 
"All gone or swept away." 

l!v force. 



Imitate the breaking of a sticli in the two hands and tJirowing the 
pieces away, then lightly strike the i)alms and open fingers of the hainls 
together as if brushing dust off them. Tiie amount of force used and 
the com])leteness of the destriu-tion is shown by greater or less vigor of 
action and facial expression. [DiHh/i'.) 

Anything of little importance, and by accident or design. 



Indicate the object, then slightly strike the palms and open fingers of 
the hands together, as if brushing dust off from them. (Dod;/!'.) 

Rotate the right i)alm upon the left as if rulil)ing something into 
smaller fragments. (Kaiowal; ('omnttchf III; Apache 11; Wiihit(( II.) 
" Iiubbingout ; grinding to atoms." 

Raise both hamls to position on right of face, fingers extendeil, sei)a- 
rate, and pointing upward, ])alms facing each other (R 1 , right and left), 
then with an energetic movement throw lioth to left side, as though 
throwing somethiug violently to the ground; then ])lace hands near 
together and make sign for All i^oiie. {Siiltapfiit I.) "Broken into 
pieces; nothing of its former self remaining." 

Dcnfmute naturnl sujn. — Imitate the act of breaking and move the 
hands in a curve in opposite directions. [BitUard.) 



92 

ItuiiU'd. 

An article mi slit be destroyed, ruined, by breakiiis;', when tlie sis'ii toi' 
Ureal! might be used iu coiniectioii with the sign for the partienlar arti- 
cle destroyed ; same by fire: but the idea of rubbed out, as contained 
in gone, apjicars to be the i»revalent one. (Dal-ota I.) 

Spent. 



Bring both hands together in front of the breast, the left hand under 
the right, lioiizontal, tlat, palm upward, fingers extended obliquely to- 
ward the right (X), right hand with fingers extended obliciiiely toward 
the left, flat, palm downward (IV) on the i)alni of the left, slide the two 
palmar surfaces over each other, moving the hands slightly inward and 
outward. (Dnkntn \.) " liubl)ed out." 

Dialo;;i(c. See Kpeakinj;-. 

DiflereBil, coiitr.ai^led. 

First anil second fingers of right hand extended, se])arated (others 
closed), is ])assed from the right breast outward, with liacli of hand 
toward tiie right, lorefinger pointing obliquely upward, and the second 
finger pointing stiaight outward or forward. {I><il-ota I.) "The idea of 
this is contained in contrasting the appearance of the two fingers; one 
of the lingcis is so and tiie other is not so — /. c, not the same, ditterent." 

Dii-«y. 

I'oint to tlie gioiind with the rigiit index, and then carry tlie hand in 
front of tlie face, with fingers ^el^arated, liand ui)riglit, back outward 
(R), move n\i and down and arouml, as thongli covering the face and 
lireasts. (Dakotd [.) '• Dirt from the ground covering the face," etc. 

DiMcliar;:*' of a i^nii. See Cniiit. 

of an Arrow. See Arrow. 

Di!<iS'«^t- (Compare <'oiiteiii|>l.) 

Extend both hands quickly outward from near the face, palms out; 
turn away the face sliglitly from the object of disgust ; extend the hands 
and arms but ])artly. {Ojibira IV.) 

Tap the left breast (heart) with the rigid hand, fingeis extended, 
back outward, then the hand is carried forward outward in front of the 
right breast, so that the palm is up, fingers extended, pointing outward, 
hand horizontal (X), where it is slightly rotated or curved a few times, 
and then carried directly outward toward the right, back outward. 
(Ikthotu I.) " I am not pleased or satisfied." 

Sign as for KiirpriMC, ^Voiidcr, then turn the head over the left 
.shoulder, retaining the hand over the mouth. {Omithal.) "As at the 
sight of a dead bodv." 



93 

Shake tlie liead slowly from side to side, at tlie same time tlirowiiij;- 
the open riyht band, palm down, outward toward the rij;ht side. ( ir^- 
andot I.) 

Avert tlie head and make the sj,t;n ot .\(>;;'atioil. [AikicIic III.) 
N. r>. Ill narrative, simply ilisnjijironil. 

DiK<(afiMf:)i-lioit, or Diwroiilciit. 

The extended tin,i;er plaei'd t.rans\ ersely before the situation of the 
heart, rotate the wrist two or three times gently, forminjia <piarter of a 
circle each time. {Jahuj.) 

TIk' index ri,i;ht liand held trans\ crsel^N liefore tlie heart and rotated 
from the wrist several times. (Ihikittii 1) " Heart ill at ease; distiirli- 
anee of the or^an."' Our ahoriuines. like modern iMiropeans, ]>oetically 
reji'ard the heart as the seat of the affections and emotions, not selec-t- 
inj;- the liver or stomaeli a.s other ]ieo]iles have done with .greater jihysio- 
logical reason. 

l>i!^laii(>«', l>oie;i : Far. 

Place the hands close together and then move them slowly asiindei'. 
so slowly that they set'Ui as if they would ne\ cr complete the ucsture. 
A Clicjiciiiic si^n. This si,<;n is also made to indicate i;reat antiiiuity in 
tiiue. (luport of Lieut. ./. W. Ahni of his examination of New .Mexico 
in the years lS4()-"47. I'>x. Doc. No. H, .'lOtli Congress, 1st session, p. 
42G.) 

(1) llea<l drawn back or cli'\ated, eyebrows contiactcd as if looking- 
to K'l'ei't distance, rii;lit hand raised to lexcl of chin, iialm ui)ward : (l!) 
piishcil forward with a curxcil motion in the direction in wlii<-li the 
speaker is looking. (Cheyenne I.) 

A slowly ascending' iiio\-eMient of tic cxieiided hand, lin.uers joined, 
from the body and in the direction desired to be indicated. (Aritpitho I.) 

ltai.se the ri.uht hand to a natural jiosition. tluunb below the two tirst 
iin<iers, tlu'U the arm with risinj; nu)tioii as high astoj) of head, stretch- 
ing it out as far as ])ossible: then bend the hand downward, the arm 
falling slowly, advance the lioil.s sli^htl\- w illiont moving feet. {Ojih- 
Wd IV.) 

Kiglit hand, forefinger of which is extended and ]ioints forward (other 
fingers closed) (?H), i)alm toward the left, is extended in front of the 
brea.st as far as the arm will reach, the body being inclined forward at 
the same time, the extended position maintained a moment and then the 
body and hand are brought back with a moderately quick movement. 
To a limited and very indefinite extent distance is sought to be expressed 
by the distance the arm is extended and the amount of leaning forward. 
(Dakota l.) "Distance." 



94 

From an iipiislit ])o.sitioii Just in front of the rijilit shoulder and a 
little above it, i)alni forward, lingers relaxed and thumb against the 
index, move the right hand forward and ui)ward through an arc to 
arm's Icngtli and to the hciglit of the head, gradually turning the i)alui 
downward. 

Or with the lingers at right angles with the i)aliii, pointing toward the 
left and their backs Ibrward, tluiinb in i)alm, move the right liand from 
the right shoulder tbrward and upward to arm's length. Tlie left hand, 
its back forward, to be held in front oftlie right breast. {DakoUt IV.) 

Elevate tin' right hand to a i)()sition in front of the chest, drop the 
in<lex-iinger toward the ground, then move it forward and upward, rest- 
ing it on a line slightly above the horizon, the eyes following the direc- 
tion indicated. The idea of much greater distance, or to intensify the 
extreme distance intended, is done by nniking the gesture a little 
quicker, turning tlie linger higher at the end of the sign, and throw- 
ing l>ack the head slightly. (Ihdolii Y.) 

riaee the Hat hand in front of the chest, pendent, then gently indicate 
a course from bcibre the body to arm's length, lingers i)ointing above 
the horizon. [Dahilii VII.) 

Describe the curve by raising the hand above and in front of the head 
(J), index extended more to the right or left according to the direction 
intended and the hand that is used. {Omaha I.) "(to aroun<l in that 
way."' 

Another: Throw the right hand backward over the slioulder, index 
extende<l, then upward and forward. (Omaha I.) 

Another: liaise the arm above and p front of the head, then pointing 
forward with index, shoot the liand IbrVard to arm's length horizontally. 
{Omaha 1.) 

The arms are folded and the hands, in typi; position (CI), are approxi- 
mated before t\w. chest. The arms and hands then widely diverge from 
the body to signify intended si)ace existing between two objects or i)er- 
sons, as the case may be. {Oto and Miamuri I.) "Wide extent of space 
between." 

Point with the extended index at arm's length a little above the hori- 
zon, the eyes following the same direction. {Pai-Ute I.) 

Push th(^ hand forward and a little dctwnward (T on edge, palm iu); 
rei)eat with hand a little higher, again and again, each time higher and 
farther forward. {Apache III.) " Over several mountains." 

Deaf-mute natural nigns. — Extend the forefinger forward, and look into 
the distance. (Ballard.) 



95 

( BeiMlin.ff slowly your body forward, iliovo your ontstretclied liniid, 
with your eyes looking- over a great space, in the direction the liaiid 
moves. [Croxs.) 

"Sloxc the open hand up in a iiorizontal line from had; to front and, 
at tlie same time, Mow lightly fr the mouth. {IFasniKtah.) 

Separate the two lists from each other. (Liirxoii.) 

llalfwav. 



:\lake sign of for F:ii- away and then liring the hand halfway back 
to the shoulder. (Ihikold W .} 

■ Short. 



Same motion of hand as JiTeal <ii»f aiK'C, only ]uoject arm forward 
a little, do not raise so liigii and dro]) more (piickly, wrist and hand 
Itcnt down more, no mox'ement of body. (Ojihini IV.) 

The foretingcr lett hand extended straight, upright (,T except palm 
outward, edge of lingers sidewise) is held on the level of the eyes 18 
inches in front, and then the right hand in the same i)ositiou (.f, etc.) 
IS carr'ed u]>w:iril close to the body as high as th(> right eye, ami then 
directl\ forwaid \(> iinir the left hand (which is stationary), a littli-tothe 
right side and behind it. so that the extended tbrelingers are iicuiljion a 
line and with then- i)almar sn.rfaces outward. (Ihikota I.) ''Ajiproaeh- 
iug, connng near any ])erson or object." 

Hold the I'ight hand as lor Far awaj', and i)!ace it in tiont of the 
I'ight breast and <-liise to it. (]>itk<itii IV.) 

1)«, I'o. 1 have done it. 

Throw the o]ieiied I'ight hand, i)alm inward, from an u]iright position 
in front of the ligiit shoulder forward and downward until it is horizon- 
tal and eighteen inches in front of the right breast. (Ihthota IV.) 

• Do it again, (('ompaiv R<'|»eat.) 



I'ass the opened light hand, \n\\\\\ backward, straight across from 
riglit to left eighteen inches in front of the chest, beginning a little out- 
side of the line of the j'ight si<le and stojjping in front of the riglit 
breast. (]>iih>Ut IV.) 

DofJor, I'hysician. 

^lake motions and movements of head and body as if hunting and 
exaunniug herbs ami roots, also by signs of smelling and tasting, and, 
as if holding the thing gathered, point with the right hand, nM)tion as 
if to drink or swallow. {Ojilnni IV.) 

Right hand closed, leaving the first two lingers extended and slightly 
separated, elevate to liefore the forehead ami move the lingers ciicidar- 



9C 

ly, passino' tlie liaiid slij;litl.v iipwaid at tlio same time. {Absaroka I.) 
" Superior liiiowledfie." 

Make tlie .siyiis for White ilinn, and Sliniiinii. {Dakota VI, 
VIJ ; Uidat.sa I; Arikara 1.) 

The left hand is extended as in (W) and the liaek of it rubbed by 
index of right hand extended as in (J). Uoth hands are then brought 
trendtlingly to sides of chestas in tyjie (<|.) The hands are then carried 
to tiie sides of head and exteJiih'd indices press the temples. Tl)e right 
hand is then swejit vcuticaliy edgewise up before the face and retained 
thus several seconds; left falls to side. (OfoJ.) "One distinguished, 
who rubs together or writes that which removes inward distress." 

First malce the sign for W^lilte llinil, which must be (juickly fol- 
lowed l)y placing the closed right hand before the fa(!e, leaxing the 
index and second fingers extended and separated, then rotate the hand 
in ])assing it u])ward and forward to the height of the top of the head. 
{Kaioica I; Ciiiiiaucliv III; A[)((clic II ; Wicliita 11.) "Superior knowl- 
edge." 

Itiglit iiand closed witli the index only extemled, elevate to before the 
forehead, and move circularly, i)assing the hand slightly upward at the 
same time. (Slionltoni and Banak J.) "Su])erior knowledge." 

Indian. See iTI<>cii('iii<> ,llaii. 



Do;;. 

Pass tne flat hand from above downward, stopping at the height of a 
dog's back. (WiciL) In the O^o sign the hand is opened, palm down- 
ward, the whole then held about the height of the animal from the ground 
in passing from side to side before the body. It is evident at a glance 
that this sign and Wied^n are similar in conception and execution. The 
slight ditt'ereuce may be. attributed to the contributor's misconstruction. 
(Botcler.) 

Is shown by drawing the two foretuigers slightly opened horizontally 
across the breast from rigid to left, (liurfoii.) This sign would not be 
intelligible without knowledge of the fact that before the iutroductiou 
of the horse, ami even yet, the dog has been used to di-aw the teut- 
jwles in moving camp, and the sign represents the trail. Indians less 
nomadic, who built more substantial lodges, and to whom the material 
for poles was less precious than on the plains, would not, i)erhaps, 
have comi)reliende(l this sign, and tiie more general one is the ])alm 
lowered as if to stroke gently in a line conforming to the animal's head 
and neck. It is abbreviated by simply lowering the hand to the usual 



97 

height of the wolfish aboriginal l>reo(l, ami suggests thr animal juir 
e.rw//fHCf domesticated l\v the Indians and made a (•nini>anion. 

Kifilit liand lowered, p:dui downward, as it to strolce a dog's liead and 
back, and moved along from l)efore l)acl<ward iiorizontaliy, conlbnning 
to the head, ueck, and back ot a dog, cleviiteil or deiiressed to t'X|iiess 
difference of size. (Cheijcnne I.) 

lOxtend and spread the right, fore, and middle lingers, and move the 
hand abont IS inches from left to right across the front of tiie body at 
the height of the uavel, i)alni downward, fingers ])ointing toward the 
left and a little downward, little and ring fingers to be loosely <'losed, the 
thumb against the ring-finger. {Dttkotn W.) "Keinesents the lodge- 
poles and 'travois' which were tbrnieily (b'agged by the dogs." 

Fore and second finger.s of right hand (otiiers closed) extended, sep- 
arated V-sliaped. carried with a downward winding motion from about 
the left shoulder in front of the body to the right, the hand stopping 
right side of the body well to the front at about tin- iieight of a good- 
.sized dog. (Dnhtta 1.) " From the use of the dog in carrying the lodge- 
poles." 

C'idss the tluiml) over the middle tinker, three fingers being closed, 
back of hand down. The forefinger curvt'd rei)resents the tail. {OiiuiIki 
I.) "The tail moving U]) and down as he walks." 

Another: Hold right hand in front of you, thumb over first joint of mid- 
dle finger (not crossing it), forefinger straight and ])ointing u]r, shake it 
right and left, moving it about (i inches. (OiikiIki 1.) "The tail, e'e- 
vated, shakes in the air, as when he scents any game." 

Imitate the (juick, running movement of a dog, by moving the hand 
from the breast forward, palm downward, and at the same time ])artly 
closing and opening all the flngeis together (piite rapidly. (Iritqiaiis I.) 

Close the right hand, lea\ing the index and second tiuuers oidy ex- 
tended and Joined, hold it forward from and lower than fln^ hip, and 
draw it backward, the course Ibllowing the outline of a dog's Ibrni from 
head to tail. [Kdioira 1; CoDKOuhe \\l ; Ajxichell; Wichila ]l.) 

The French and American deaf-mutes si)ecifically exjjress the dog by 
snapping the fingers and then i)atting the thigh, or by i>atting the knee 
and imitating barking with the lips. 

Or wolf. 

Bring both arms together at wrists and hands together in ])osifiou 
( W). Honietinies the sign is made further i)lain by the Indian nuiking 
au aceompauyiug bow-wow with month. {Oto I.) " Height of animal 
and size." 
13 



98 

none, liiiiMlied. 

The hands placed eilge up aii<l down, parallel to each other, the 
right hand without, which latter is drawn back as if cutting- soniethins'. 
(Dunbar.) "An end left after cnttins is sngsested ; perhai)s our col- 
lo(|uial 'cut short.'" 

A motion of cutting with the right hand. (Mdcgoican.) 

Both fi.sts clinched, placed before the chest, palms facing, then drawn 
ajiart and outward toward their respective sides. {Ahsarohi I ; iSho- 
shoni and liannl; 1.) 

The hands placed in front of body horizontal, with tingers extended, 
arched, meeting near the tips, thumb.s resting on tips of forefingers, back 
of hands outward, separate the two hanils by carrying to the right and 
left slowly. (Dakota I.) " Diawn apart, an end left." 

From positions about 4 inches apart and a foot in front of the upper 
part of the chest, the upright tists, palms facing, are to be separated 
about 3 feet, each one being made to describe an arc downward. Or, 
after placing the half-closed hands near together and ojjposite each other, 
obliquely upward and inward, about a foot in front of the upper part of 
the chest, (piickly separate them about .'5 feet. (Dalofa IV.) " We will 
])art.'" 

The right arm is flexed a little over a right angle and brought closer 
to the front of chest. The hand in position (^ 1), modilied by being hori- 
zontal with palm toward the breast and tii>s of index and ring tingers 
resting on biceps tiexor muscle of ojiposite arm. Sometimes the arm is 
held in same jiosture away from the body. The sign is completed by a 
cutting stroke with hand, edges n\) ;iud down, from left to right. (Oto 
I.) " We cut it short; are done." 

Hold the left list horizontally in front of the body, then pass the flat 
and extended right hand, edgewise, quickly downward in front of the 
left. Sometimes the right is passed down in front of and by the 
knuckles of the left. (Kaioira I; Comanche 111; Apache 11; Wichita 
II.) "Cutoff." 

Deaf-mute natural mgns. — Hold both hands slightly extended, with the 
palms downward, and then turn the hands over, at the same time giving 
a side movement to right and left with each arm. (Hasensfab.) 

Similar to the sign for ^oiie, meaning " nothing more." (Ballard.) 

The French and our deaf-mutes give a cutting motion downward with 
the right hand at a right angle to the left. 



Door, entraiife. &€. 

Tlie aiiiKs are elevated and seini-tiexed before body. Tlie liaiidis are 
tlieii collected iu type-position (U) and tii)S of index tinfjers made to 
tonch. The arms, with tinfiiT-tips in contact, then approach and diver^ie 
several times. {Oto I.) ''The triangnlar entrance to the wigwam ((pens 
and shuts." 

Doubt. See IiKlt'ciwioii. 

Drawn out. 

Both hands extended in front of body, the left ou the outside and at 
a lower elevation than the right, both hands fists, the left (B), tlie right 
with baciv looking toward tlie right; draw botli arms in toward the 
body, and then carry out again, rei)eating the movements several times 
as thoug'h drawing out for some distance. {Ihdota I.) " From drawing- 
out of the «-ater or hole a person or thing." 

Dr(*aiii. 

First make the sign for >«ilet'p, and then the liand is carried down- 
ward from the head and curved upward and inward to the right breast, 
and then thrown out from the body (turned over) with a downward 
curved movement, /. f., hand turned itartially over so that the extended 
fingers point toward the left, palm of hand nearly flat, thumb outside, 
pointing obliquely downward. [Datold I.) 

Drill It, dri Biking. 

The hand is partially clenched, so as to iia\ c soinetliing of a cup shapt; 
and the openiiigltetween the thumb and linger is raised to the mouth 
as in the act of drinking. {Luikj.) 

Scooj) u]) with the hand iiMagiiiary water into the moutii. [liurt.nt.) 

Forefinger of right hand crooked, tliumb side of hand inward anil 
brought to month in upward curve, then suddenly curved outward and 
downward several inches. {Cliei/eiuie 1.) 

J)o the hand in the shape of a cu]i. [Maq/oirioi.) 

With the right held in front of the body, make with the thumb and 
fingers a circle resembling a cup, thumb and forefinger forming the top 
or rim, and then carry to the mouth, haiul horizontal, back outward. 
[Dakota I.) "Drinking from a cuj) or glass." 

The right arm is flexed and the hand, in type-positiou (Y 1), modi- 
fied by collecting the fingers and letting the thumb rest against palms 
of the index and middle fingers, is then brought to and from the mouth 
several times successively. The right or left hand may be used. The 
motion resembles much an ii])ward rotary movement of a sj)oon from a 



100 

(iisli, tlie liaiid being quite hollowed in tbe center to resemble a cup- 
sliaiied vetssel in wliicli water must be taken. {Oto and Missouri 1.) 
"To take u]) in a hollow vessel to the mouth." 

Collect the Hnf;eis of the li.sht hand to a point, and Ininf; it to the 
i.iouth, palm tirst. (Wyandot I.) 

The rifiht hand with ti])s of fingers and thumb brought nearly to a 
point is lironglit to the mouth once or twice, as if drinking from a cu]). 
(Apache I.) 

Hand half closed, sni)inated, and an uj) and-down motion in front ot 
the mouth. (Zufii I.) 

TtaliitH s'kjii. — Is imitated with the list. {Buth-r.) 

Drotviaeil. 

First make the sign for Kiver, then make the sign for C>rOlie llll- 

drr; should the person not be rescued make the sign for Dead, 
death; should he be rescued, however, make the sign for Draniii;:^ 
Olil, and if, alter getting the body out, resuscitation should occur, the 
sign for liifV, liv'iii;;', should be made to indicate that he has been 
raised (up) to life again. [Dakota 1.) -'This is a graphic picture.'' 

Driiiii. 

Malic tlic sign for Kettle, with hands further apart, and omit the 
part indicating i)lacing on the tiic; then hold the lett liaml stationary 
and raise the right hanil ujjward (Fist If, except bacli njiward and in- 
ward): strike down with it to near the left hanil, and iei)eat several 
times as though striking the head of a druui. (Dakota I.) "Fiom beat- 
ing tlie drum." 

Duck. 

The sign for Turkey, then the sign of "Heater, and lastly the. sign 
of 8n'illllllill^'. (Diutliar.) 

Earth. <MroiiBi4l; LaiKl. 

The two hands, open and extended, brought horizontally near each 
other ojtposite to either knee, then carried to the oi)i)osite side and 
raised in a curve movement until l)ronglit round and o]iposite to the 
face. (Dtoihar.) 

. Right hand eic\ ated to level of face, Hattened, palm uiiward, thumb 
pointing forward, little finger ])oiiiting to left at right angle to thumb; 
hand moved horizontally forward and outward to represent extended 
surface. Homctimes both hands em])loyed, left hand flat, i)alm ui)\vard, 
fingers ]>ointing to the right. (Cheyenne I.) 



101 

First point toward the stouikI with tlic ri.uht index, and tlien brinji 
both bauds to.yether in front of the chin, (ingos fxtcnded, jiointinj; to- 
ward the front, palms down, Ihit horizontal (W), and carry to the ri};ht 
and left with a curved motion, arms nearly extended. [Italittit I.) "The 
entire earth, without end." 

Eyes cast vajiuely about, the riulit arm is Hexed to tiu' IVout of the 
body, the hand in typei)osition {P 1) modilied liy bcinj; in\crted hori- 
zontal with palm downward. The hand is not held ri.i;i<lly; il is then 
moved forward and downward, and the jialm i)oiut of Ihc rinhl middle 
finger is made to touch the ground. Tiie \viiol(( aim is tiien raised and 
the hand in type-position (W) de.seribes a, circle before tiie body. ((Ho 
anil .]ri.ssoi(ri 1.) "T'in' spheiical object touched; beneatii me.'" 

Ih'iif-miitc iiKiiiriil sii/ii. — Point at it and then mo\-e tiie open hand 
horizontally, meaning how extensive tlir land is. [Croxs.) 

As soil. 



Right index imints toward the ground in front of the riglit side of the 
boil.\ . [Dahitit 1.) •' Designating the ground." 

En<«t. (Compare l>:gy, niioi'itiii;;'.) 

Toiiit to the east; /. *., point of sunrise. (Ariijtiiho I.) 

Forefinger of right iiand crooked to represent inilf of the sun's disk 
and pointed or extended totheleft, tlicn slightly ele\'ate<l. {('Iici/cinir I.) 

Simply point toward the east witli the extended riglit index. [I><i- 
Icotal.) "Direction." 

Eat, fating : I iiavc cafcii. 

The lingers and thumb are brought togetiier in opposition to each 
other, into something of a wedge shape, and passed to and from the 
mouth four or five times, within the distance of three or four inches of 
it, to imitate the action of food passing to the mouth. (Long.) 

Imitate the action of conveying food with the lingers to the mouth. 
(Burton.) 

Uringiiig the list to the month. (Mdcgnirnn.) 

Join the tips of the fingers and thumbs, and move them back and 
forth towards the mouth. Cheyenne sign. (I»eport of Lieut. -/. W. Abert, 
loc. cit., p. 4.51.) 

Fingers and thuml) of right hand placed together as if grasping a 
nioisel, brought suddenly upward to level of mouth and moved toward 
it and dow nward in the direction of the throat to suggest the act of 
cramming. (Chei/enne I.) 



102 

Eight hand scoop-fashion, back of hand ontward at the front of body, 
heiglit of abdomen, is carried to the mouth as thougli conveying food, 
and repeated several times. [Dakota 1.) -'From the movements of 
the hands in eating." 

I have eaten. 



After making the above sign the exteiuled thumb and foretinger of 
the right hand (other tiugers closed) is passed, back of hand outward, 
liorizontal, &c., from the stomach upward in front of body and mouth 
and above the latter. {Dal-ofa \.) "I am full." 

Close the hand, allowing the foretinger extended, then move it up 
and down before the face several times toward and from the mouth, as 
if rainuiing food into the mouth with the tinger. {Dakota V.) 

Bring the thumb, in<lex, and seeoml tinger to a point, and make re- 
jieated motions downward before the face toward the mouth. [Dakota 

VI r.) 

The haiKls, with arms tlexed at elbow, and tlngers, as in tyjx' (E 1), 
inoditied by hand being held horizontal, i)alin uj), are brought alter- 
nately to the mouth and back, as it were, to the table or dish, as motion 
of Chinese eating rice. [Otn I.) "To till up in i)arts." 

Collect the thumb, inilex and second tiugers to a i)oiiit, hold them 
above and in front of the mouth, and make a repeated dotting motion 
toward the mouth. [Kaioa-al; (Joiiuuicltc III; Ap<(che II; Wichita II.) 

Place the thumb across the i)abnar surface of the partly extended 
lingers of the right hand, then bring the tips of the fingers to the mouth 
fpiickly several times. [I'ai-Utcl.) 

Extend the index (or index and second finger) of the right hand, hold 
it in front of and a little liigher than the mouth, palm towards the neck, 
then make repeated thrusts toward the mouth with the finger. [Ute I.) 
"Indicates the direction in whicli food goes." 

Close the right hand, leaving the index extended but slightly curved; 
p lace the hand in front of and a little above the mouth, making a quick 
motion of pointing to and back from the mouth several times, as if ram- 
ming down anything. [Apache I.) 

Italian ,v/r/«. — Is imitated with the open hand [Butler.) 

Something to c,;'. 

Join the ends of the fingers and tliund> of the right hand, i)lace them 
upright six or eight inches in front of the mouth, backs forward ; bend 
the hand at the wrist and turn the ends of the fingers and move them 



103 

toward the nunith and then downward to the umier ])art of tlie .sterniiiii 
(breastbone). {Dakota IV.) "Putting food into the UKtuth anii swal- 
lowing it." 

The right hand held np with the fingers and tlmnili extended and aji- 
proaeliing each other as it holding an egg within. (Dnnhar.) 

With the finger and tluiinl) of the right hand suggest the outline of 
an egg. The lingers and tlnunh of the left hand are also sometimes 
shaped in the same manner, and placed over the jioints of the right as 
they assume the ])osition described. (Clici/cnnr I.) 

Elk (Cervus canailciinis). 

8treteh the arms high and alongside of the head. (iriVf/.) This 
sign is still in use. (.}[attheics.) In the Oto sign both arms are elevated 
and the hands opened, but hngers a])proximate(l, are then ])Iaced aside 
the head. The hands are in tyi)e position (T), palms outward; the 
ball of the thumb rests against parietal ridge. Though tlK're is an 
evident ineom])leteness in ll'/V'/'.v descrii>tion, a marked identity in 
position of the arms and the probable conception is oliservalile. The 
sign is comiiletedby the right index marking on the extended left index 
the animals short tail. (Ilotclrr.) 

Is signitied by simultaneously raising both hands with the lingers ex- 
tended on both sides of the head to imitate palmated horns. (Burton.) 

All or most of the fingers of both hands held together and brought to 
the sides of the head to represent the jialmated horns of an elk. 
{Cheyenne I.) 

The same as Det'l", exec|)t that after the lirst ixisition both hands 
with lingers spread are carried upwards and outwards to imitate the 
branching horns of the animal. {Pakofa II.) 

Extend and widely separate the fingers and tlnunbs of both hands, 
place them ni)riglit, palms inward, just above and in front of the ears, 
and shake them back and forth three or four tinu's. {Ihikofa IV.) 
« The elk's antlers. 

The arms are elevated and the hands placed aside of the head with 
the fingers extended but approxinmted as in position (W' 1) — more erect. 
The extended right index-finger marks off on the extended left index 
the length of the tail. {Oto and Minsonri I.) "The short tail and 
broad horns of the animal." 

Place both flat hands with fingers and thumlis s])read ui)ward and 
outward from either side of the head at arm's length. ( Utc I.) 



104 

Embroidery. 

Same as tliat part of tlie sign for Rc:iilw wlicre the liaiids are in 
front of the body, left stationary, and liie ri^lit iiolding the. sinew moved 
to and over it. (Ihtkota 1.) " From cndiroiiU'rinf;' with beads." 

Ellli. See KoiK*. 

■i 

EiK'iiiy. 

With tli(^ rijilil lore and middle lingers sjiread, jiointinj;- toward tiie 
left, and l)aelvs foi-ward, tiirow tlie liand abont a foot forward and ont- 
ward two oi- three times fr<>m near tin; face ("I (h)n't want to see him"); 
toneh the chest over the lieart and afterward malce tlie si.uii for Rail 
("my lieail is bad''); then, from just in front of the rif;ht eye, its palm 
forward, |Mish the npriyht list forward six in<'hes and a little toward the 
lefl, Ml the same lime lurnini;' the jialm liacUward (" i am angry"'). I>n- 
l-ota \\.) 

The ItididH xi<in for enmitji. — ()])|)ositi<)n in the ends of the middle 
tingx'rs toneliing each other, and all the restof th(i lingers elinched. 

(liiitlcf.) 

l'iiioii;;li, a Ix-liiy riiGI. (('ompare <,jla(l and I'lill.) 

The sign for ICalili;;' is lirst made, then the thumb and foreling'er 
are ojtposed to earh other so as to form a seniieircniar eurve, \\ liieli is 
ehivated along the body from the belly to the neck, in order to indicate 
that the interior is tilled with food up to that i)ai't. [liurlon.) 

l'"irst make sign for Ealilli;', then stretch the forelingers and tlnnnbs 
apart, as if to span something; then ]ilace the Land near the stomach, 
and move it up along the body until the muscle connecting the thumb 
and forelinger rests in the mouth, ('hci/cinie sign. (IJeport of J. W. 
Ahcrf, loc. cit., p. i'M.) 

Right hand brought to front of body, tbrelinger i)ointing to and rest- 
ing against stomach and gently drawn along ujjward to the throat and 
continued upwai-d and outward. {('Iici/diiic I.) 

The iSioiix Indians express Elloii;;ii by End, DoiK*. {JhdotaL) 
" I am done; have had enough." 

Make the sign l>(><«irr, then the sign for '\o. {Ihibita W.) 

Deaf-mute wit ura] si<iiis. — Move (lie hand (jialm u])\vard) in a gentle 
curve downward, with a suitabh^ expression of countenance. {Ballard.) 

Bend your head a littU^ forward and move the hand (held horizon- 
tally) upward on the throat, (dron.i.) 

Move the forelinger across the front of the neck from side to side, sO 
as to indicate that the throat is lull. (Hasenntab.) 



105 
Move to aud fro the outstretched hand over the other hand. ( Ldmon.) 
Eiili'riii;; n lioiiwe or lo<l;;e. Sec liO(l;;(>. 
Equal. See Snine. 
Exrlinii^e. See Tradt'. 

Excited; rxrilciiiriit. 

Same sif>n as tor Coward, Eear. The licart being the i)riinar,v 
seatof th(^ emotions from th(^ standpoint of liie Indian, he ackn()\vl(^dj;('S 
no sueli tliinj;- as (^xeitenH;Ilt ol' mind, tlieieiore tins word is iTK^hnh-d in 
feiir, for every Indian wlio allows his ln^art to.//»/^'/' is eonsidcicd l)y his 
])eoi)le a coward. (Ihtkoia \.) " I'^roin fear, coward." 

Eye. 

Simply tou<'h tiie eye with the i-i.^ht index. [DaLotd I.) 

Vnvv. 

The hand is passed downward in I'roiit of Die face, once only, fi'om 
forehead to chin or a little helow liie ciiin. (Mdiiddii iniil Uidiilmi I.) 

Fail, to. 

Left hand stationary, hoii/.ontal, fniiicrs nearly (closed, hack oi hand 
ontward about eij;liteen inches in front of the breast, and th(^ right index 
(others close<l) is brongid npward elose in front of the b<idy lo the lireast 
and then carried out to the left hand with slight ui) anil down .jerking 
motions, linger upright, back of hand inward, and then draw the right 
hand back directly to the breast, and njake the sign for I\o. (Ihikofa 
1.) " lledid it not. He did not come; did not kec]) his a])i)ointmcnt." 

F.tiliirc. 

Hold the left hand edgewise liefore the Itreast, pointing forward, then 
bring the extended index, pointing, toward the hit palm; touch it, and 
tlii'ow the index in a short curve over anil downward on its liack, 
resiMubliug the sign for Dead. (Kdioirn I: ('oininiclii- III; Apache \\ 
Wicliita II.) "Interrupted in progress; defeated elforts.'' 

Fall, to. 

Left hand extended to thefroni, palm down, then biing ti|)s of all the 
lingers togethei', open and shut, as if letting something fall. [Omaha L) 

Fall, lirst (of the leaves). 

liaise the left hand above the head, foretinger extended, move right 
and left with a waning and tnMubliug motion, ((hixiha 1.) 

Falixe. See Eie. 

Far, a loii^ way off. See 1>i<«taii<*<', Car. 

14 



.106 

Blacken face, neck, and hands. In camp sit ciosslegged, eyes bent 
on the earth ; fold hands in front, jValnis np, remaining motionless, fre- 
qnently nttering in a low voice, progress {?). When standing perfectly 
erect and motioidess. (Ojilnra lY.) 

Fat. 

Raise the left arm with fist closed, back ontward, grasp the arm with 
the right hand and rnb downward thereon. ( ^yie(l.) 

(1) Both hands, loosely closid, bronght near to and on a level with 
the shoulders; (2) pushed a few inches straight forward and slightly 
ui)ward. {Cheyenne I.) 'Trobably lumps of fat taken from a large or 
broad animal." 

Both fi.sts clinched, ])laced before the breast, thumbs touching and 
palms downwaid ; then draw them ontward and downward, forming the 
upj)er half of a circle. {Absumli I; Shoshoiii and Bunak I.) 

Sign for iTlaii, and then the siiin for Bi^S made in front of the abdo- 
men. (J>nl-iit(t I.) "Big in body." 

Hold the opened lelt hand ohli(iuely upward toward the right, a foot in 
front of the breast, ]>alm ujtward, backward, and to the right; grasp the 
ulnar side of the hand between tlie fingers and thumb of the right hand, 
the thumb on tiie palm, ;ind rub it lightly from tlie base of the fingers to 
the wrist several times. (Ihilolii IV.) "Thick, and therefore fat." 

Both arms are tiexed inward and both hands brought before the 
body, diverge7it and extended fingers drooped. The hands are much in 
the position (<J) on tyi)e plates. In this position tin; hands describe a 
semicircle over the abdomen, and are carried over the limbs severally. 
If the sign is applied to any other object than man, the sign correspond- 
ing to said object is first made. (<Ho and Mismnii I.) "Of increased 
dimensions or that which increases one's size." 

Fatlier. Hee KclatioiiKlii|). 

Fear, coward ice; cow.'ird. 

The two hands with the fingers turned inward opi)osite to the lower 
ribs, then brought ui)ward with a tremulous movement as if to repre- 
sent the common idea of the heart rising up to the throat. {Dunbar.) 

The head stooped down and the arm thrown up to protect it; a quick 
motion. {Lon;/.) 

I'oint forwardjwith the index, followed by the remaining fingers; each 
time that is done draw back the index. ( Wied.) Impossible to keep the 
coward to the front. 



107 

(1) Finners and tlintnl) of rij>lit Iiand, winch droops downward, closed 
to a iioint to re]irese,nt a heart; (2) violently and repeatedly beaten 
against the left breast Just over the heart to imitate palpitatiuu. (Chey- 
enne I.) 

May be signified by making the sign for a S4|iia \V, if tlie one in feai- 
be a man or boy. [Aiiipnho I.) 

Crook tlie index, elosc the other lingers, and, with its back upward, 
draw the right hand backward about a foot, from eighteen in(•ln^s in 
front of the right breast. (Dal.iild W.) "Drawing baek." 

Make the sign for Slravo, then Ihiow the light hand, ojien and Hat, 
outward toward the right. {AhuaniLd I; i<lii>sliiiiii (did UhikiI: I.) •' Xot 
brave." 

]{ight liand (<|) in front of left lireast, back outward, and carried tor- 
ward for about six inches with a tremulous motion of the lingers. 
Many of the Sioux, however, do not move the hand from the breast. 
{Dalotn I.) "Excitement; tluttering of the heart."' 

Cross the arms over the breast, lists closed: bow the head over the 
crossed arms, but turn it a little to the left, {(htidlid I.) 

Strike the right side of the breast gcTitly with the jialmar side of the 
right list: then throw the hand downward and outward toward the 
right, suddenly snapping the lingers from the ball of the thumb, where 
they liad been resting, as if sprinkling water. ( Wi/itiidot I.) 

Deafmittr natural .sij/ns. — lve()resented by shuddering with the shoul- 
ders and moving the body slightly backward. (Balldrd.) 

Run backward. {Larson.) 

Place the forefinger between the upper and lower teeth. (Zelnler.) 

The French deafniutes, besides beating the heart, add a nervous 
backward shrinking with both hands. Our deaf-mutes onnt the beating 
of the heart, except for excessive terror. 

Fciunle. ((."ompare AVoiltail.) 

Bring the two hands open toward the breast, the fingers ai>i)roaching, 
ami then move them outward. (DiiuJiar.) 

Elevate the open right hand, pointing forward, to the level of and to 
the right of the shoulder; draw the lingers back, keeping them together 
until the tip of the forefinger rests against the tip of the thumb, form- 
ing an abnond-shaped opening between the thundt and forefinger. 
(Cheyenne 1.) "I'robably from its resend)lanee to the appearance of the 
external female genitals." 



108 



Applied to auinials. 



Same as the sign tbr 1%'oiiian. {Dal-ota I.) "Designating sex. 
From the tlowiug Lair of womau." 

Generic. 



Fingers and thniiibs of both hands separated and curred ; place the 
hands over the breasts and draw them forward a short distance. ( Ute I.) 

Fence. 

Both iiands extended, tingers spread; place those of the right into 
the spaces between those of the left; then indicate a zigzag course for- 
ward with the extended index. ( Wyandot I.) " Fosition of rails in a 
fence, and tlie zigzag course." 

Fi^ht, (i;;iitiii;;. (Oomi)are Bnlf le.) 

Make a motion with both ti.sts to and fro, like a pugilist of the 
eighteenth century, who preferred a high guard. {Burton.) 

Joining hands rapidly. (Macgnwan.) 

Same sign as for Battle. {Dakota 1.) 

Both hands clinched, liolding tht'iii palm to palm ;,t a distance of 
about four inches from one another; form short vertical circles, as if 
" sawing" a hard-mouthed liorse. [Dakota W., VII.) 

Both hands closed, forefingers eknated and extended, facing o7ie 
another; move palms toward and from each other. {Omaha I.) 

Clo.se both hands, except the index-fingers. Hold them before the 
breast, the index-fingers upright, and move these from side to side, 
opposite each other, like two antagonists facing one another and avoid- 
ing each other's blows. This movement, followed by that for Dead, 
would express " They fought, and one was killed." If more than one, 
\wV\ up two or more fingers. {Iroquois I.) 

15()th hands brought up nearly as high as the face, about twelve inches 
apart, fingers pointing toward those of the oi)posite hand ; the finger.s 
are then moved carelessly as the hands are brought toward and from 
one another. ( Wi/auilof I.) 

Deaf-mute natural sinns. — Act as if you strike your left open hand with 
your right clinched hand, and do the act of striking several times suc- 
cessively. {Hanenstab.) 

Raise the fists as fighters begin to fight. {Larson.) 
■ Indian. 



Extend both arms, hatuls clinched (J); place the tips of the index- 
fingers together, and push them first one way and then the other, still 



109 

keepinji tlie tips of tlie I'oretinn'ers together. Facial expressiotis add 
greatly to tlie intensity ot all signs. {Vomancke 1.) " Wrestling." 

Finished. See Done. 

Fire, hiii'iiiiij:;. 

The two bands biought near the breast, tonching or a])i)i'oaehing each 
other, and half shnt; then moved outward moderately (iniek, the fingers 
being extended and the hands a little separated at the same tiine, as if 
to imitate the aiii)earanee uf tlame. {DioilKir.) 

The act of striking fire with the flint and steel is represented: after 
which the ascent of the smoke is indicated by closing the fingers and 
thumb of the right liand, holding them in a vertical iiositiou, with the 
hand as low as convenient : the hand is then gradnally elevated, and 
the fingers and thnmb a little expanded to show the ascent and expan- 
sion of the volume of smoke. (Long.) 

Hold the fingers of the right hand slightly opened and upwaid and 
elevate tlie hand sexeral times. (Wied.) The bod_\ is bent somewhat 
forward — the right index, middle fiuger, and thnml) are theii a]i]iroxi- 
mated at their i)oints and hand is held, drooi>ingly, near the ground. 
The hand thus cu]) shajicd is made to open and close successively and 
lise by jerks, like the jumiiiug and cracking of a flame. Although the 
Iiositiou of the hand is reversed in Wicil's sign, there is a nuirked simi- 
larity of execution and conceptiiui iu the two. {ISatelcr.) The sign 
nuiy portray the rising forked tongues of the flame. 

Blow it and warm the hands liefore it. To express the boiling of a 
kettle, the sign of Fire is made low down and an inmgiuary pot is 
eateu fi'om. {Burfan.) 

Scratching the breast. (Mnajou-an.) 

Raise and lower the hand alternately, palm up, the fingers extended 
upward and moving in imitation of tongues of tlame. [Arapnho T.) 

Itiglit forearm in verti<-al position, and hand slowly elevated, the 
fingers ami thumb pointing upward, being meanwhile opened and clo.scd 
two or three times. [Cheyenne 1.) 

Right hand (P) extended in front to the ground, fingers pointing 
upward, raise the hand slowly, with a trenudous nu)tiou, not nuirethan a 
foot from the grouiul to deuote a small fire, such as Indians build iu 
their lodges. For a larger tire raise the baud higher with the tremulous 
motion. Of course the body will have to be inclined forward in making 
this sign. [JJakota I.) " From the flame and smoke of a fire." 



110 

Raise the rislit hand several times from near tlie ground, its back 
forward, fingers pointing- npward and a little bent and sejtarated. 
{Dakota IX.) '•Flames shooting ni)\var(l." 

The hand is brought near the ground in hand type (H), the body at 
the same time inclined forward. The fingers and tlunnb are then suc- 
cessively opened and closed as the hand is elevated by Jerks, as it were. 
{Oto I.) ".lumping and eraekling of a flame." 

Ivight hand, italni toward and a short distance before the waist, fin- 
gers extended upward and separated, moved upward about eight or ten 
inches several times. {Lite 1.) "Tongues of fire, flame." 

Deaf-miiie n<ttur(d sii/iis. — Blow through the mouth, and move the hand 
uj) and down rapidly. (Ballard,) 

Open both hands freely, move them up fast and down slowly several 
tinu's, and at the same time keep the mouth, half open, blowing. (Husen- 
fitali.) 

Move the lingers of biith hands together u[)ward with a little blow 
sent from the mouth. (Larxoii.) 

To light a. 

Hold the h'tt hand before the body, palm down and arched, collect 
the fingers and thumb of the right hand to a point and pass them 
quickly along the thumb of the left from the basal. joint toward the tip; 
then place the right hand quickly under the arched left for a moment ; 
then suddenly closing both hands, side by side, move them upward a 
few inches, (|uickly extending the fingers and thumbs in so doing; palms 
forward. ( IJtc I.) " Striking a match, kindling the brush, and smoke." 

Hold both hands before the body, straight, fingers curved sutficient 
for the tips to be directed toward their respective hands ; strike from 
above downward with the right, so that the finger-nails strike those of 
the left in passing. (Apache I.) "From the t>ld method of obtaining 
fire with flint." 

To nuike a. 



Fir.st make the sigu for Fire ; then hold the arched left hand close 
to the ground with the palm downward, i)lacing' the right, fingers a7id 
thumb directed to a point, underneath the left. (Apavhel.) "Kindling 
grass or other combustibles." 

FiNh. 

Hold the upper edge of the hand- horizontally, and agitate it in the 
manner of a fan but more rapidly, in imitation of the motion of the tail 
of the fish. (Long.) 



Ill 

Make the sipii for River, Lake, or Pond, ami then with the 
rifjht index in front of the liody move in imitation of a swininiinj; tish. 
(Dal-otu I.) " From tlie manner of swininiinj;-." -" 

The extended right hand, tlinmb upward, lingers ]>ointing: forward, is 
liehl near the body, in front and to the riglit of the median line: it is 
then moved rather gently forward with a laterally waving motion, so as 
to represent the movements of a lisli. {Mdiidtui (cnd Euhitna I.) 

Flame. See Fire. 

Flat. (Compare Big' in the sense of Flat.) 

IJriug- both hands together in front of the breast, fingers extended 
and pointing outward, forward, palms upward (X), tlat, and eairy the 
arms out to the sides of the body as far as they can be extended and as 
nearly on the same level as ])ossible. (Ihihita I.) "A level or Mat 
piece of ground." 

Denf-mute iiatitral .sii/ii. — .Move one hand lioriz(Hitally over the other. 
(BaUunl) 

Flour. 

Ptuttomliiiiv. — Sinnilate kneading dough. {Antpuhtt 1.) 

\\'jtli till' right hand (Q) in front of body as though holding tionr or 
any ])idverized substance and s])rinkling or sifiing it through thetliuiub 
and forefinger. {Dakniii I.) " A tine sulistaiu'c." 

The arms are extended in front of the body, parallel with the hands 
in positions (S, S), modified by being held horizontal. The palms are 
then approximated as in slapping together, and opened several times 
successively. Finally the hands are made to turn over, the paln.-j 
loosely in contact, in a tumbling manner, the right ami left alternately 
on to)). (Oto and Missouri I.) ''The sign represents the Indian's mode 
of flattening the dough for cakes." 

Fly, To (as a bird). 

Imitate with crooked elbows the motion of wing (buing flight. (.l/v(- 
l>(iho 1.) 

Bring the hands slightly in front of their respective sides of the head 
(hands as in T), and, by bending the wrists, make the forward and 
backward movements as nearly as pos.sible in imitation of the mo\e 
nu>nts of a biril's wings in flying. (Ihikota I.) 

Fool, Fooii<«li. 

The finger is jiointed to the forehead, and the hand is then held verti- 
cally above the head and rotated on the wrist two or thiee times. {Long.) 
Rattle-l)raiued. 



112 

VUwi' (lid liMiiil ill tViMil of the hiVMl, buck outward, then tiiiii it nmiul 

in a circle Ncvcnil li s. (\Vic<l.) Sliil used. Also for ('r:iKy, I 

think. {Moflhcics.) 

Sifi'ii tor .?lail ; li^hl hiiiiil cxIcikIciI dou iiwiinl, jialin out waid, /in- 
UriH iiiicloNi'd and sliaki'ii. NNIit-n rct(^rriii{j to a partii-niar pcrsi'ii the 
lint;t!i' of Ihn linlit hand is pointed at liiin, cyi's resting- on liini ciitically) 
hiow.s raised and contracted as in jiity and aversion. (('hf)/nine I.) 
The sliakillH' (>f the opened llii;4crs ;;i\'es the idea of " h)iiseiiess " with- 
out reference to tlie liead. 

Hriiif; the iij;lit hand to tlie medial line of the fordiead (IS), tii)f;ers 
hut slif^htlv separated, where it is rotated several times two or three 
ineiies in front. (IhiLdhi I.) " Itattle hralned." 

.Mi)\e llie opened rij;ht hand tliroii;;li asinall circle two or three times 
in trout of the forehead, the palm toward the le t, lin^icrs se]>arate(l a 
little and poiniiiif^ upward, {hiikulii \\ .) " Head liirned." 

llotale the extended and sepal iiled index and second tinkers ol the 
liand upward and luuaid Ihi' lel'l liejuic Ihe lorehead. (I><il;iila \'l ; 
Jlidutsd 1 ; Arilxitnt I.) 

I''rcneli deaf unites shake the hands al>o\»' the head atti'r lonchiii^' it 
with the index. 

lie is the j^realest tool of all. 

Swa.v lh(^ hand (W 1), palm downward "over .dl," (hen point to the 
person ((l;^-. 1), then place (Mid of (infers on forehead (II I), and then 
swiiifi' hand around in circle in tVont of forehead, hand and lingers up- 
ri^lit, Joined, and palm oMiipie ti> face {'V I, palm ohliipie), and lastly 
Inakl^ the sij;ii Had. {iSdhttjitht 1.) " Of all, his brain whirls worst." 

Voiir words are foolish. 

.Vfter pointing to person addressed and makinji' sijjii for words (as 
in <ii), thi^ hand is moved to a point in front, but little to rijjiit, of 
forehead, liiifitu's all naliiraily relaxed, ixiintinj; upward, jialm (piarter- 
inj;' to fac(^ {\ I, changed to \crtical [losilion), then swiiiij; around in 
small cindi' several limes, then dropped to a point in front of body and 
thrown vigorously downward to sid(« and rear. .Vt bcfiimiiug" of this 
last inolion llu^ tiiii^crs are hooked, second restiiij;' aji'ainst thumb, ]>aliii 
downward (4k 1), but duriiij;- backward moNomcnt the tinj;ers are j^rad- 
ually thrown open, paliu outward (IC I, tinkers pointinjj obliipiely down- 
ward). SijiU ||»<| (!'). (S<iliiii>tin I.) '• Words from whirlinj;- brain — 
bad." 

Vovvst. 

Slightly spread and raise the ten luif-ers, bringing the hands together 
in front t)f the face; then sejiarate them. ( Wied.) The numerous trees 
and (heir brandies may be indicated, for a time obscuring the vision. 



1 13 

Spread the fingers of tlic ngbt liaiul sliglitly : raise the hand on a level 
with the face, and while iiioviii<f it from side it is gently thrust up and 
down. {Dakota V.) "The fingc^rs represent the appearanee of the 
trunks of the trees visible along the edge of the forest." 

Itaise the hand vertically, palm up, fingers |)artially closed and ex- 
tended upward, in a manner indicative of the growth of trees. [Ara- 
puhi) I.) 

Make the sign for Tree, and then the sign for ^Tlaiiy. {Dalota I.) 
' Many trees." 

Make the signs for Ax and Tree*. (Dalofn VI: Jlidntsu 1: ,1»("- 
kara I.) "Timber that is fit for cutting with an ax." 

Make the .sign for Tree several times, then throw the back of the 
npright and flat right hand toward the right, front, and left. (Kaiowa 
I; Comanche l\\\ Apache II: Wichita II.) " Trees, trunks clo.se" (re])- 
re.sented by joined fingers), "all around." 

Forset. Ibrsotteii. 

Hands outsjiread, ojiened, palms downwaid : crossed as in sign for 
i\i$;iit or darkness at a level of and angle with the elbows, left 
hand being over the right, {('hcijtnne l.j Darkness in the memory. 

]>ca/-mufc natural sif/us. — I'uf the liaml oii the forehead and draw it 
away. (Ballanl.) 

Have the head ni» suddenly, and (jjieii the mouth a little at the same 
time, and then nod, and tlie upper teeth rest on the lowei- lip. ( Haseii- 
sfah.) 

Place the forefinger on the forehead and then strike the lap with tli(? 
shut hand. (Zeigler.) 

Forf. 

On level of the breasts in front of body, both hands with fingers turned 
inward, straight, back.s .joined, back.s of hands outward, horizontal, turn 
outward the Imnds until the fingers are free, "curve them, and bring the 
wrists together so as to'Jdescribe a circle with a space left between the 
ends of the curved fingers. [Dakota 1.) "A circularly fortified jdace." 

FoiiikI. iliscoverecl. (Compare See.) 

First make the sign for See. lo, and then carry the right hand (<() 
iu front of body toward the ground and back to l)ody. as though having 
picked something u]). (Dakota I.) "Seeing and jiickiiig ii]» anytliing." 

Bring the left hand opposite the l)reast a foot or so away, finger.s 
closed and slightly bent, j)alni downward as if it were concealing .some- 
1.5 



114 

tliiiis; biiiij; the rijibt liaud over it, liaiul in the position of being jnst 
ready to pick sonietliinj;- u]) with tlie finf;ers; then pass the right hand 
over tlie left, the hitter remaining still, and bring tlie hngers of the right 
hand together as if yon had pieked up something. {Comanche I.) 

Deaf-mtifr natnml ,s/(/h.s.— Touch the eyelid, then bend your body, and, 
having pointed at the ground with your hand, clinch it and bring it up 
and discloses it to the eye. (Cross.) 

Lower the open hand toward the ground, and then raise it shut up as 
if to indicate that something is picked nji. {Hascnstdh.) 

Fewi. See Bird. 

Frnclioii. 

Indicate with the foretinger of the right hand the ecpiivalent length of 
the left foretinger. [Arapaho I.) 

Froexins'. (Compare Frost.) 

Make a closing movement, as if of the darkness, by bringing together 
l)oth hands with the dorsa upward and the tingcrs to the fore; tne 
motion is from right to left, and at the end the two indices are alongside 
and close to each other. (lUirlon.) 

No sign se|)arate from Cold, If if*; Ice; or FrOiiit, wliicli denot* 
different degrees of cold. [Dalwta I.) 

Deaf mute natiind sinus. — Shudder from head to foot; then set in mo- 
tion your feet after the manner of skating, and then move the baud 
about horizontally. (Cross.) 

Raise the arms toward the breast and shake the lists, and then move 
the outstretched hands in a horizontal line. (Larson.) 

Friend. (Compare Salutation.) 

(1) Ti])s of the two tirst fingers of the right hand placed against or at 
right angles to the mouth ; (2) sutldeidy elevated upward and outward 
to imitate smoke expelled. (Chvticnnc I.) "We two smoke together." 

Hold the extended left hand before Mie body, and grasj) it with the 
right. (N'fc, Fo.r, and Kirkopoo \.) 

Point f'orwai'd and a little upward with the joined and extended fore 
and middle fingers of the right hand, which is to be placed a foot or so 
in front of the right breast, the little and ring fingers closed, thumb ou 
ndddle joint of ring finger ; move the hand upward to the right side of the 
face, then straight forward about eight inches, and then a little upward. 
t)r hook the bent right index, palm downwai'd, over the bent left index, 
palm upward, the hands to be about a foot in front of the body. This 
last they call a IMexican sign. (Dakota IV.) 



115 

Extend tlie rijjlit hand as if rcacliiiii; to shako liands. [HuJatxn I; 
All hard [.) 

Tlie k'ft and right liands arc bnmnlit to the ci'ntcr of chest ojien, then 
extended, and the left hand, with palm up, is grasped crosswise by ri<;ht 
hand with i)alni (h>wn, and held thus several seconds. The hands are 
then in double position (\ 1), rijiht inverted. Hands are now un- 
clasped, and right fist is held in lett axilla, Ity which it is lirndy grasped. 
{Oto I.) "One whom I will not let g()." ^ 

Bring both hands together in a full clasp of all the fingers, after the 
ordinary manner of handshaking. (('iiiikuicIiv J.) 

Extraordinary. 

Bring the two hands near each other in front, and clasp the two index- 
lingers tightly, so that the tips of the linger and thumb of ea<'li touch. 
[VomdHche 1.) 

Clasi) the two hands after the luaunei-of our congratulations. ( Wich- 
ita I.) 

Friendly ; friendship. » 

Raise both hands, grasped, as if in the act of shaking hands, or lock 
the two foretingers together while the hands are raised. This sign given 
by parties meeting one another to ascertain intentions. For more gen- 
eral idea of friendship clasp the left with the right. {Burton.) 

Hands clasped in front of body, i)alMi of lelt u]i, palm of right resting 
in that of left, hands shaken uj) or down one or more times. (Chei/- 
en lie I.) 

Pantomindc grasping or shaking of the hand, or a pantomimic em- 
bra ce. {Arapnho I.) 

The left hand held horizontal, i)alm inward, fingers and tluuub ex- 
tended and pointing toward the right about a foot and a half from aTid 
in front of breast, is clasi>ed by the right, carried up in front of body 
and out from breast, thumb and fingers pointing downward and drawn 
directly into the body. (Ihiknta !.) " (iraspiug the hand of a friend."' 

Our deaf-mutes interlock the forefingers fiu- "friendship." clasp the 
hands, right uppermost, for "marriage," and make the last sign, re- 
peated with the left hand n])permost, for "peace." The idea of union 
or linking is obvions. 

Froixt. (Compare Freexiiij;' and Mnon.) 

Begin with the sign of 'Water, then with the sign of :Vij!;lit or 
Uarkiiei^M, then the sign of Cold, then the sign of White, and, 
lastly, the Enrtii. {Dunbar.) 



116 

First make the sijj;ii for (liraMM, and tlieii tlie riglit hand (W) is 
moved as thuugli waviiij'- it over tiie grass. [Dakota I.) "A covering 
of tlic grass." 

FriiitleM<s ; in vain. 

The left arm is brought forward, hand as in (L 1), moditied by thumb 
being elosed. Tlie right hand then takes position (S 1), modified by be- 
ing held liori/.oiital. Now the left index, extended as above, punches 
the right palm, and is then swept backward and downward by left side. 
{Oto I.) 

Full, as a box or sack. 

Ivight and left hands (W , with lingers slightly beni) are brought 
together in front of body, en<ls of fingers pointing outward, then carry 
the right hand ipiickly over the back of the left, and back as though 
brushing off the sur])lus. {Dakota I.) " It is full ; l)rusliiTig otf the sur- 
plus." 

Dm/ unite iiati(ral si(/)t^. — I'lace the hand down, and raising it, and 
moving it right and left as if at the top of the sack or box. (Ballarfl.) 

Clinch your hand in the foTin of the letter C, and over the supposed 
convex surface above it pass the other hand somewhat clinched also. 

(CVo.s-.v.) 

The same as EilOiigil. (Larson.) 
Ap])etite satisfied. (Comi)are Eiioii;;;:!!.) 



Finger and thumb rising from the mouth. {Mucf/owan.) 

Make the sign for Eal, and when completed and hand brought before 
abdomen, as in type (T 1) modified by being held horizontal and arched 
with back outward, it then describes an arc over abdomen as to indi- 
cate fullness. {Oto I.) " Filled up; distended." 

Make the sign of Eat, then close the right hand, spreading the in- 
dex and thumb wide apart, palm toward the body, then pass it from the 
breast ni)ward to before the mouth. ( Dalota VII ; Kaiowa I; Comanche 
III; Apache II; M^ichUa II.) 

Fiiliire, lo come (in time). 

Kight index upright (J, except back of hand toward the body) is 
pushed straight forward, outward, from the shoulder and drawn back 
three or four tinu's, arm extended to its lidl capacity. Seems to be con- 
nected with Far. {Dakota I.) " Far in time." 

4i<a|>; 4*aii»ii. 

Indicate the walls thereof with the hands, in front of the body, palms 
toward each other, fingers extended and pointed downward. {Ara- 
palio I.) 



117 

Both bands eii;liteeii iiiclics in front of tlio breast, separate(l alioiit six 
ini-lics, tinkers and tlmnibs pointing upiinlit, with the ])ahns facing each 
other (S, with edge of liands outward) tlius (II); draw the rij;ht hand 
inward about a foot, turn it so that tlie palm is downward, flat, tinners 
joined, jxyintinu' str,iii>lit outward, and tlieu push tlie liand forward so 
that it would go through the middle of the spaee formed by the hands 
in the fiist ])osition (I). Often made with the hngers eurved. (Dakota 
I.) "Sides of a canon or ravine; passing' through a canon." 

CiJelt. 

Bring- the lingers and thumb of the left hand together as if something- 
was held by them, and then approach the right luiiul and make the 
motion of cutting across wliat is su])posed to be held in the left hand, 
and then draw off tlie right hand as if ]iulling- away what has been cut. 
(D miliar.) 

Geiiei'oiiiv. 

Hold both hands oi)en, tlie ]ialms aboxe and lielil in fidiit of breasts 
or body, tiieu present toward the other pai-ty an open smiling coun- 
tenance. (Ojlhira IV.) 

The sign for diood llcarl or Bi^- Heart is made. {Dakota I.) 

<.;iio<«t. 

Sign for l)ea<l. Death, and then the sign for ;?lail. [Dakota \.) 
"Dead man from the spirit land."' 

<iiiiiilet. 

Index pointing- to the center of tlie left hand foretinger (which indi- 
cates the handle or boring- part). Then the screw motion with the right 
hand conveys the idea clearly. [Zinii 1.) 

Give me, or Briii;; to iiie. 

The hand half shut with the tlmiiili pressing against the foi-etinger, 

^ being tirst moderately extended either to the right or left, is l>roug-ht 

with a moderate Jerk to the opposite side, as if something was pulled 

along by the hand. Consequently the sign of water jireceding- this 

sign would convey the expression, "(live me water." (Dunbar.) 

The hand extended in a iiointing position toward the obje<',t in re- 
quest, then brought toward the body with the tingers raised vertically, 
and laid against the breast. (Lour/.) 

Object wished for pointed to, the right hand being held as in sign for 
Bl'iilii;': brought with two or three jerky motions toward the face or 
breast of the speaker. (Cliryeiuie I.) 

Place the right hand nearly at arm's length before the breast, paliu 
up, and make a short oscillating motion to and fro. (Abmroka I ; Sho- 
shonl and Banak I.) 



118 

After placinj; tlic li^lit liaiid about eij>hteeii inches in front of the 
neck, and turning- it so that the pahn will be oiitsvard and the little 
finj^cr toward tlie neck, tinj^ers overlapping and uprigiit, tlumdj in the 
])alni, nio\-e llie hand toward the neck. {Dakota IV.) 

r.ring, to. 



Left hand extended ten or twelve inclies in front of the left breast 
(P 1, palm npward); right hand (P), extended in front of right breast, 
amis full ext(!nt, is moved over the left as though carrying something to 
the left iiand with the right, (l)akoia I.*) 

r>ring to me. 



Continue the sign for 'I'o Briii;;' by bringing the liands close to the 
left breast. [Dakota I.) " Mring and give to me." 

Point to or otherwise indicate the person directed and the object or 
article desired, and imjilv approach liy beckoning. {ArapaJio I.) 

Deafmtife iiaftiral sif/nis. — Extend the open hand and draw it back as 
if conveying souu'fhing to one's self. {BaUard.) 

Sti-etch out the forelingerand then mo\X' it toward the breast. (Larson.) 

dose tlie hand aiul move it to one's self. (Ballaril.) 

(live to nu' or ns. 



'iMie riglit hand extended in front of l)0(ly (<|) as though taking hold 
of anything, and then brought bade to body with hngers pointing up- 
ward as though holding tiie art icle in it ( P). ( Ihiko'a I.) " Taking the 
article from the donor." 

Dcaf-mntc nat^iral siijn. — 01o.se the hand exceiit its forefinger, with it 
point to something, and then move it toward the breast. [Hasen.stah.) 

Ciive to him or another. 



Reverse <iJive fo lite — handing the article to the ])ersoii. [Dakota I.) t 
'* I give it to you." 

The right arm is semi-extended, also the hand (as in type-position Y 
1, modilied by iniddle, ring, and index fingers being more collected or 
close<l); arm and hand thus point to object. Both are then brought 
toward the body, the index becoming more hooked as hand approaches, 
and tinally its end concludes the arc of approach by touching center of 
breast. [Oto I.) " Evident in .sign." 

I will give. 



First make the sign for I, personal pronoun, and then the sign for 
CUivt', as contained in (wire, as (.ire to him. [Dakota I.) "1 
hand it to you; I give it to you." 



119 

Hand lield in position for "give, nie," near to the cliin or breast, ex- 
tended (juiclvly toward the person addressed. (Clwyonic I.) 

From an npright jwsition in front of tiui chin, ])alni tnrned toward 
the right hand; tlirow the rigiit liand forward eighteen inches, or nntil 
tlie ends of the tingers point ol)li(pn'ly forward and upward. {Dtthotd 
IV.) 

Denf-miitc natural s'uins. — Point to the l)osoni, nieaiiing the s])eaker, 
stretch tlie closed liand and tlien open it. (lUiUard.) 

First ])oint to your lin-ast witli Nunr tingcr, then inosc foiward the 
hand clinclied. and set free the tist. (Cross.) 

ItaJhiii si(/ii. — '{'he motion that oiu' is willing to give soinetliing, and 
which may he called the luiliing gesture, is to put one hand into the 
money pocket. ( lliitlcr.) 

<wirl. See C'liiltl. (*' pare Woiiiaii.) 

(triad; roiiteiil: iiloaKcd; MatiMfied. (('oni])are (.iood.) 

With the rai.sed right hand pa.ss with a serpentine movement upward 
from the breast and face above the head. ( Wiol.) Heart beats high. 
Bosom's lord sits lightly on its throne. 

Wave the open hand outward tiom tiie breast to express "good heart." 
[Biirfuii.) 

The sign for Predy, not made in imme(liate jiixtajposition to tiie face 
or any jiart of the body, is signiticaut genci'aily of coiilcnt, satisfavtion, 
C0»i/>/'f/.s7(«(c, etc., expressed by the Indian phrase (tooil, ov It is i/inxl. 
{ArajHiIiii I.) 

Strike the chest over the heart lightly two or three times \\itli the 
l)alm of the right hand: tlien make the sign for good. {Dak<it<i l\'.) 
" Heart good."' 

The right hand, extended horizontally, ])alm downward, is held in 
front of and near or touching the throat, and is then moved forward a 
few inches. This denotes a comfortable feeling of fullness or satisfac- 
tion; but to indicate the more intense feelings of being cloyed or glut- 
ted the hand may lie held at ihe chin or at the mouth, the sign being 
otherwise unchanged. These signs may be used to denote satiety from 
other causes besides (>atiug and drinking. (Mandan iiml Hidatsa I.) 

With the right hand (S) tap the lelt bieast seveial times, and then 
carry the hand forward and toward the right, with ])alm downward (W), 
<-'ontent, glad, good, hajipy, satistieil, are all exjiressed by this .sign. 
{Dakota I.) -'The heart feels good." 



120 

Make an inclination of tlie body forward, moving at the same time 
botli hands forward from the breast, open, with the pahn ujiward, and 
gradually lowering them. {Iroquois I.) "I give yon thanks." 

Extend both hands outward, palms turned down, and make a sign 
exactly similar to the way ladies smooth a bed in making it. ( Wichita I,) 
Smooth and easy. 

C>rlat!>!<>. 

Left hand arched, the thumb and forefinger meeting at their tips, 
forming a circle, is held in front of the left breast, horizontal back of 
hand upward, thumb and forehnger toward the body; then the right 
index is brought up close to the body in front and jiassed forward from 
the breast, describing a series of circles to the center of the circle formed 
by tiie left hand, but not placed within it. Daylight is included iu this. 
{Dalota I.) " From the same rays of light passing through a pane of 
glass into the house." 

<w I lit I on; Parasite. 
Italian sif/ii. — Pinch the cheek with the finger. (Butler.) 

Clio; $;oanay; dcparf : leave liere. 

The back of the hand stretched out and njjward. {Diinhiir.) 

Like t'Ollie ( Wicd), but begin near the face and extend the hands 
with a number of gentle Jerks. ( Wied.) The same reuiarks apply to 
this sign as to that for Come. (Mattlicirs.) The right arm is bent 
and the hand in position (B 1) horizontal is tnonght to the e|)igastrium 
and suddenly arm and hand are extended. The identity of the concep- 
tion of this Oto sigu^and Wicd^s is evident. The nn)vement of extension 
in the latter description "by jerks' has little relevancy, and may l)e 
reasonably exi)lained by the caprice of the subject. (Bottler.) 

Move both hands edgeways (the palms fronting the breast) toward 
the left, with a rocking-hoi-se motion. (Burton.) 

Right hand held toward left shoulder forearm across the breast, 
lingers and thumb extended, palm upward and inward; brought with 
elbow for a ])ivot suddenly to the right. (('Iicj/einie I.) 

The right hand is carried to the left side of the body, level of the 
breast, horizontal, palm outward, thumb below (W 1), extended fingers 
pointing toward the left; carry the arm out to full extent in front of 
body and to the right. This is emphatic. "Dismissing the person." 
Many Indians make the sign for liJo, <wO anav, by using the index 
Jield upward, the rest of the fingers beuig <'losed and carrying from left 
to right or directly out in front of body, but this is not near so emphatic 
as the above. <iJo, in the sense of (wOlie, I>e|i:ii'fed, would be de- 



121 

noted preferably l)yiisins' tlie latter si}>ii and by sto])i)in,ii' the motion of 
tlie hand several times in carrying' it out to its final extended position, in 
resemblance of the walking away of the person. [Dalwta I.) "He has 
wallced away." 

The opened risht hand being- advanced about a foot and at the height 
of the navel, palm toward the left lingers separated a little, hand bent 
at the wrist and i)ointing' downward and forward, move it straight 
ahead about a foot, and at tlii^ same time raise tlie ends of the fingers 
until the liand is horizontal. [Ihtkota \\ .) 

Tins is indicated by a motion the reverse of C'oilie, and wlieu (lie 
sign is completed the hand stands as in the beginning of the former 
gesture. [Mandan and Hidatsn \.) 

I'lace the closed hand, knuckles ui)ward, before the breast; elevate 
the index and i)ass the hand slow ly, in a jerking or interrupte(l move- 
ment toward the front and left, palm facing the front. (Kaioini 1; Co- 
iiKinchc 111; Apache II; Wichitii 11.) 

With the index only extended, i)oint to the earth and trace a course 
along the earth toward and above the horizon. {Apache I.) 

Go awa\". 

Place the open left hand twt'lve inches or so in front of the lower part 
of the chest, i)ointing forward toward the right, iialm looking obliquely 
upward and backward; then (piickl\ pass the i>aliii of the light hand 
forward and upwaid across that of the left and beyond it about a foot. 
(Dah-Dfa IV.) 

'J'lie hand, with the i)alm facing dow nwanl and backward, is held close 
to the body and about on a level with tlie stomach; it is moved upward 
to a level with the top of the head, a foot or so in front of it, describing 
an arc whose convexity is forward. (Mandan and IJidatMi I.) 

The right hand is closeil as in type-position (B), and arm semiflexed, 
bringing hand to center of body. The arm is now suddenly extended 
to full length and hand expanded in the movement. {Oto I.) "To re- 
move from." 

The right arm is flexed, and the hand, in ])ositi()n (B 1). more horizon- 
tal, is brought t() the epigastrium. The arm is then suddenly extended, 
hand likewise, with the index finger pointing directly from the body. 
Accompanying this sign there is generally a repulsive or forbidding 
frown assumed by the countenance when one is ordered to depart from 
disi)leasure. To (jo on a mesNdoe, the countenance assumes a smile, but 
sign is identical and is combined with sign for Speak. (Olo and Mis- 
souri I.) " To withdraw or move from." 
10 



122 

Place tlie ri};lit liaiul at tlie height of and in front of the abdomen, 
l)ointing u])ward, palui outMard, fingers slightly separated and bent; 
then move the hand off toward the left. {I'di- Ute I.) 

Throw the riglit hand over the right shonlder so that the index points 
backward. ( Wichita I.) 

Deaf-mute natural ,s)V/hs. — A slight movement of the feet on the floor 
and moving the hand forward. (Ballard.) 

Open the hand and move np, and at the same time point it forward. 

{Hascnsiab.) 

Close The hand, excei)t its forefinger, and move it forward, pointing in 
the direction you wish the person to go. (Hasenxtah.) 

Move the hand forward and forward. {Larson.) 

To a phice, to go. 

Make the sign for (wO, and when the hand is near at arms' length ex- 
tend the left anil place it horizontally before the moving right so that 
they come together audibly. {Kaioiral; Comanche III; A2)achell; Wi- 
chita II.) 

Ctonl. 

Pass both hands, with the tips of the finger and thumbs brought to a 
point, in a curve backward and downward from the ears in the direction 
of the horns, tlien jdace both hands at the lower part of the abdomen, 
palms about 3 inches apait and facing, with fingers separated and curved 
so that the tips touch. [Apache I.) "Curved horns and large testicles." 

Cwoiiiji, Iraveliii^. Journey. 

To describe a Journey on liorseback the first two fingers of tlie right 
hand are placed astride of the forefinger of the left hand, and both rep- 
resent the gallo])ing movement of a horse. If it is a foot journey wave 
the two fingers several times through the air. (Ojibu-a I.) 

The kind of locomotion may be indicated, as on horseback, &c., after 
that pantomimic, the arms and hands being made to represent the legs 
and feet. [Arapaho I.) 

Touch tiie nose with the right index for I, then make the sign for 
<;o. [Ihtkota IV.) 

Toncii the heart with the right index, and then with a wave of the 
hand outward. |(oint in the direction to which you intend to go. (Iro- 
quois I.) 

Strike the i)alms of both hands together obliquely and gliding past 
one another. (Zuni I.) 



123 

Place the hands thumb to thiuiih, pahiis forward, tinjicrs extended, 
sei)arated, aud poiutiuj; upward, tlieii move them from above the rifjlit 
hip tbrward aud toward the h-tt. (I'di-I'tc I.) 

Deof-muie natural siyn. — No jiciieral siiiii, but for ridiiiu, wlietlier on 
hor.sebaelv or on wheels, the sii;ii was made by beiidinj;' tlie arms and 
raisiiiff and depressing the elbows in imitation of a man riding on 
liorseback, and moving the iiand horizontally tbrward to sigidfy aiva;/. 
(Ballard.) 

Iiunning. 

Hold the hand in the same position as Walking, and, with the lore- 
finger extended forward, advance the hand, keeping the closed porlion 
underneath, and turning it slightly and rajjidly to right and left by a 
(puck motion of the wrist. (Iroquoin I.) 

Traveling ; marching. 

The hand held vertically as high as the necli, with slightly divided 
fingers, and rocked edgewise forward aud backward upon the wrist, 
extending the arm a little forward. This sign resembles that for (lues- 
tioil, but differs in the direction of the motion of the hand. [Loiuj.) 

Hands placed in the position for making the sign fur Ball le, except 
that they are further separated, and then describe a series of half circles 
or forward arch like movements with both hands. (Dakota I.) •'Per- 
son walking." 

Hand oil edge, extended, tips tbrward, palm in (T on edge, tbrward); 
wave it vertically and forward. IJoth hands used, indicate two jiarties, 
cs-pecialli/ the double column in which troops always march. (Apache 
III.) " Ambulant, forward motion." 

Walking. 



Close the hand except the index linger, and with that extended, at the 
height ot the breast, move the hand forward, bringing it down a little, 
at regular intervals, to imitate the steady movement of a walker. (Tro- 

Ijlloi.f I.) 

iionv iiiider, di-<ai»|>P«»"»'<l IVoiii view . 

Lett hand flattened and held back upward, thumb inward, in front of 
and a few inches from the breast, right hand slightly clasped, foreliiiger 
more extended than the others, and passed suddenly under the let I hand, 
the latter being at the same time gently moved toward the breast. The 
idea here is that the person has gone niKh'r a covering of some kind, as 
a table, tent, blanket, &c., or gone under the water, /. <;., disai)pearance 
from view, not used in the sense of dead, death, or permanent disaj)- 
pearance. (Dakota I.) 

All; no more. See Destroyed. 



124 

<wonoi'i'li«ea. 

Close the lis'ht hand, allowing' the index to remain half closed, point- 
ing- downward ; hold the hand at the lieiftht of the hip, either at the 
side or iu front, making' quick downward movements extendinji- an inch 
or two. {Ahsarola I; ,Shoshoni and Bunalc I.) "Flaccid ulan.s penis and 
droppiufi of j^oiiori'hcjeal dischari;e." 

(wOod. (Compare fwlnci and Yes.) 

Tlie hand held horizontally, back ui)ward, describes with tlie arm a 
horizontal cur\e outward. {Lomj.) This is like our motion of benedic- 
tion, but may mure sng.uestively be comjiared with several of the signs 
for Y'es, and in opposition to several of those for Bad and ]Vo, show- 
ing the idea of acceptance or selection of objects presented, instead of 
their rejection. 

Place the right hand horizontally in front of the breast and move it 
forward. ( Wied.) This description is essentially the same as the one I 
furnished. {Mondaii and Ilidaisa I.) I stated, however that the hand 
was moved outward (/. c, to the right). I do not remember seeing it 
moved directly forward. In making the motion as I have described it 
the hand would have to go both outward and forward. (Mattheirn.) 
The left iirm is elevated and the hand held in pos'tion (AV). The arm 
and hand arc tlius extended from tiie body on a level with the chest; 
tlie elbow being slightly bent, the arm resembles a bent bow. The right 
arm is bent and the right hand in position (VV), sweeps smoothly over 
the left arm from the Ijieeps muscle over the ends of the lingers. This 
sign and Wied''>i aic noticeably similar. The diflerence is, the Ofo sign 
uses the left arm iu conjunction and both, more to the left. The conceii- 
tion is ol something that easily jtasses; smoothness, evenness, etc., in 
both. (lioielcr.) 

Wave the hand from the mouth, extending the thumb from the index 
and closing the other three lingers. This sign also means 1 know. 

[BltltoH.) 

(1) llighthand lingers pointing to the left i)laced on a level with 
mouth, thumb inward ; (2) suddeidy moved with curve outward so as 
to present i)alm to person addressed. (Cheyenne I.) 

Pass the opened right hand, palm downward, through an arc of about 
90° from the heart, 24 inches horizontally forward and to the right. 
[Dakota W .) " Heart easy or smooth."' 

Place the Hat right hand, palm down, thumb toucliing the breast, then 
move it forward and slightly ni)ward and to the right. {Bakota YI, 
VII; Kaiowa \ ; Comanche IU; Apache 11 ; Wichita 11.) 

Pass the tlat hand, i)alm down, from the bieast forward and in a .slight 
curve to the right. {Dakota \ I; Hidatsal; Arikara 1.) 



125 

Tlic cxtoTidod lijilit tiaiid, i>aliii (lowinvard, tlniiiil) hackwaid, fiiisors 
poiiitiiif;' to tlic U'ft, is lifld nearly or (|iiitc in contact with the Ixxly 
about on a level with the stomach; it is then canied outward to the 
rij;ht a toot or two with a rai)id sweep, in which the foreaiin is moved 
but not necessarily the humerus. [Miindun diiil Jliiliitud 1.) 

Move rijilit hand, i)alni down, over the blanket, ri.yht and left, several 
times. (Oinnhd I.) 

Another: Hit the blanket, first on the ri,i;lit, then on tiie left, |)alm 
down, several times, ((tnutha I.) 

Another: I'oiut at the object with tlie rifiht lorehu.ii('r, sliakini; it a 
little up and down, the other fingers being closed. (OiiiuIki 1.) 

Another: Same as preceding, but with tiu' liand open, the tliumb 
crooked under and touching the forefinger; hand held at an angle of 45° 
wliile shaking a little back and forth. {Omnha 1.) 

Another: Hold the closed hands together, thumbs up; sepaiiite by 
turning the wrists down, and move the fists a little apart; then reverse 
movements till back to first position. (Oiiuihu 1.) 

Another: Hold the left hand witii back toward the ground, (iugers 
and thxuid) apart, and eur\ed. Ib)ld the light hand opiiosite it, |)alm 
down; hands about six inches apart. Shake the hands held thus, up 
and down, keeping them the same distance a])art. (Ointtha I.) 

Another: Hold the hands with tlie palms in, tliiunbs up, mo\'e hands 
right and left, keeping them aliout six inches apart. (Oinahn I.) 

Another: Look at the right hand, lirst on the back, then on tlie|)alm, 
then on the back again. [Oinahd 1.) 

The above eight signs were all taken from one ( )maha, who stated 
that they all gave the i<U'a of the wonl uila", 4iiood. 

The flat right hand, palm down, is moved forward and upward, start- 
iug at a i)oiiit about twelve inche> before the breast. ( Wi/ntnlof I.) 

Throw right hand rom front to side, fingers extended and jialm down, 
forearm horizontal. {tSiihdptiii I.) 

Same sign as for (liind, I»le.*»?«Ml. (Inxiuoin 1.) 

Bring both hands to the front, arms extended, palms outward ; elevate 
them upward and slightly forward; tiu' face meanwhile exi)ressive of 
wonder. (Comanche I.) 

Another: Bring the hand opi»osite the l)reast, a little below, hand 
extended, palm downward (^V), and let it move ofl in a horizontal 
direction. If it be very good, this may be reiieated. If comparatively 
good, rei)eat it more violently. (Comanche I.) 



120 

Deaf mute Hilt iiral niijnu. — 8iiiack tlic lips. {Ballard.) 

Close, tlif. liiiud, wliile the tliuinh is up, and nod the lieatl and smile as 
it' to ai)pi-o\e of sonietliin<>' good. {Jfasciisfdh.) 

Use the sign for HniKKoilie, at the same time nod the head as if 
to say "yes." [Zei</h-r.) 

Italian sif/ns. — The fingers gathered on the mouth, kissed and stretched 
out and spread, intimate a dainty morsel. {Butler.) 

The oi)en hand siretelied out horizontally, and gently shaken, inti- 
mates that a thing is so so, not good and not bad. {Butler.) 

Some of the signs ajipear to be connected with a pleasant taste in the 
mouth, as is the sign of the French and our deaf-mutes, waving thence 
the hand, back upward, with fingers straight and joined, in a forward 
and down ward curve. Tlie same gesture with hand sidewise is theirs 
and ours for general assent: " Very well !" 

(iood. Heart is. 

Strike with riglit hand on the heart and make the sign for (irOOd, 
from the heait outward. {(Hiri/eiuie 1.) 

Touch the left breast two or tliree times with the ends of the fingers 
of the right hand, then make the sign for CwOOd. {J>(doto IV.) 

Place tiie fingers of the tlat right hand over the breast, then make the 
sign for (liood. {DaLota VII.) 

Move hand to position in front of breast, fingers extended, palm 
downward ( \V 1), then with quick movement throw hand forward and 
to the side to a point 12 or 15 inches from body, hand same as in first 
position. {Sahaptin I.) "Out it olf." 

(lood, Verv. 



Place left hand in jiosition in front of body with all fingers closed 
excei)t first, thumb lying on second (ill 1 changed to left), then with 
forefinger of right hand extended in same way (HI 2) point to end 
of forefinger of left hand, move it up the aim till near the body 
and then to a point in front of breast to make the sign Good. 
{iSahaptin I.) 

<Kr:iiidiiiolliei*. See RelatioiiMlii|>. 

(liraM!^. (Compare Foreixt.) 

I'oint to the ground with the index, and then turn the fingers npward 
to denote growth. If the grass be long, i-aise the hand high ; and if 
yellow, ])oint out that color. {Burton.) 



127 

Sij^ii for Forest, but distiiiunislicd tliort^fiom l)y rol;iti\(' licif^lit to 
which the li;iii<l is raised. [Anipdhii.) 

Extend the right hand in front of body and mar the j;ronnd in tlie 
same i)Osition as the tirst part of the siuii for tire (liaiid P); raise the 
-hand but slightly, however, turn it o\cr Hal (^^'), and carry it with a 
sort of wa\ing' motion to tiie light and left as in iniilalion of the waxing 
of a large field of grass. (Itdhaltt I.) "Tiie sjiringing uj) of tiie grass." 

Hold the right hand near the ground or higher, according to the 
height of the grass, its back forward, iingei-s [yointing ni)wai'<l, and a lit- 
tle bent or separated. For grass growing, rais(^ the hand a foot or so 
three or four inches at a time. {Dakota IV, \, VI, VII ; Bidafsa I; 

Arikara I.) 

Hold the left hand extended and llat, palm down betbre I lie breast, 
the right underneath it at a distance to show height of grass ; move 
the right liand foi-ward and backward from the tip to the wrist of the 
left (maintaining previous distance) to show the spreading of the growth 
over the surface. {Ute I.) "This sign is used oidy in conversation, 
when it is known that grass is meant l)y previous refeience; otherwise 
the following sign is used.'" 

Another: Is also represented by holding the Hat right hand, palm 
downward, a few inches from the gronnd, different elevations represent- 
ing \arying heights of growth. (Utr 1.) 

Hold the right hand at the height of tiie knee, back down, lingers 
lioiiiting iqiward and diverging; then indicate the height by placing 
the llat and extended palm downward at the re(piired height. (Aimchel.) 

Deaf- III lite Hiitiiral sif/ii. — Imitate the manner of mowing with a scythe, 
and, having touched the lips while the jaws are in motion, hold the 
hands apart, one over the other, and tlieii move about the hand horizon- 
tally. (Cmv.v.) 

Fine or nice. 

.Make the sign for C{ra*<< and <«oofl. Literally, good grass. {'Da- 
kota VI.) 

4iir.ixiiit;'. See Feedini;'. 

Left hand held carelessly to le\el of and in front of left breast ; two 
first fingers of the right hand slightly extended and rubbed against the 
palm of the hand at the base of the thumb, {ahi-i/ciiiic I.) Probably a 
reference to the manner in which marrow is used in painting. 



12 S 

liiji'lit liaiitl witli tiiiger.s bi'iit in ivseinblaiice to the bowl of a si)ooii, 
and tluMi in thi.s position hrouglit over the left, as tlioiigh fiiiiityinj;- con- 
tents of spoon into it, which is held level of stomach horizontal, palm 
upward, fingers extended, curved upward, pointing;' outward, right hand 
then joining- the left and in same i)osition, both hands are i)ushed ont in_ 
front of body as though holding a i)an in them, and at the same time 
incline the head forward and blow on the hands. (Diikoia I.) "From 
cooling hot grease, or tbod cooked in it." 

Crreal. (Compare Bi$;', in the sense of great.) 

The two hands open placed wide apart on each side the body and 
moved forward. {Diinbur.) 

The sign for Bij;> i" ^''c sense of l<ir(/e aronnd, used to represent the 
(luality of greatness. (Cheyenne I.) 

Ik-af-mntr natural sli/n. — iSe])arate the hands widely apart. {Ballard.) 

Ciireat Father; Presidcnl ; also Secretary ol" Interior. 

,^Iake the signs for White mail, Ciiief, and Fattier. (Kaiuwa 
I; Vomauclu' III; Apache II ; Wichita II.) 

CJreeii. See Color. 

CJrie r. 

Bring the right hand uj) to the left breast with tingers and thumb 
together (U, lingers (hnvnward), forefinger against breast, make a down- 
ward movement, the hand turning as it goes down till the palm is up- 
ward. (Cheyenne II.) Down-hearted; lost heart. 

Place the ends of the fingers over the eyes with both hands at the 
same time, and gently let the hands droi>, imitating dropping of tears 
by repeating the motion two or three times, the hands falling about to 
the breast, the head bowed forward. (OJibwalY.) 

The sign for Weepinj/, Cryiny is a part of the sign for grief, which 
would hardly be complete, however, without reference to the heart, and 
the following is the sign lor grief or sorrow of the heart, or, as the Sioux 
say, " Ueart is doicn, upset." The palnuir surface of the right hand 
horizontal, with fingers extended, i)ats the left breast several times, and 
is then turned over three or four inches in front of the left breast so as 
to bring the palm upward, thumb outward. (Dakota I.) " Upset heart, 
weeping." 

Place the palmar side of the extended fingers of the right hand to the 
front side of the head, close the eyes, and droj) the head forward upon 
the breast. ( Wyandot I.) 



12!) 

<wrieve<l ; Wounded feelings. 

Witli the index only extended and held liorizoiitMlIv in Iront of tlie 
breast, i)ointins' toward the left, ])retend to imiictnrc tiic lieait at re 
peated iii()Venu'nts. {Kaioini \ -, ('(Hiiiinclii' \\\ ; Apm-lii- l[; Wicliiln \\.) 

Cnroisiiil. See l^artli. 

<iJrow or V «';;<■ I :i(«'. To. 

Turn hand and foretinncr up tVoni the tiround, indieatini;- tlie urowinj;- 
or connny from tiu^ ground or out of the earth, close the haianee of 
fiutfers over the u|)turned pahn of the rii;lir iiand, raise hand liy a (piick 
niotU)n a few inches from theeartli. (Ojilnrit W .) 

Ci>Minience witii the siun for LiCc, liviai;;', &c., l)ut stop tlie ujtward 
motion of the hand at the ])roper time and turn it over, and hold as seen 

in (W). {Dahita 1.) " Desinuatin.i;' the amount of i;rowtli bv lici^iit 
from the .i;round.'' 

The hand is collected somewhat cui>shaped, as in ty|>e position (O), 
the tinkers more closed and hand hoiizontal, and made to a])proach the 
mouth, as in tlie act of eatinji'. The extended ri.^ht and left indices are 
then crossed and brought TU^ar the groniid. l'"rom this iiosition the 
hands /» .v(7» are uniformly and successively raised in jerks, ((tin and 
MissDini I.) " The coming up of something to cat from the earth." 

Cillll. 

Hold out the left liand, as in the act of snpi)orting the gun when 
directed horizontally, and with the right apjiear to cock it. (Loitij.) 

Close the fingers against the thumb, ele\ate the hand, and ojien tlie 
fiugers with a quick siiajt. ( ll'/c/.) It seems to me that here he only 
describes in slightly varied language the motion already referred (o in 
Arrow, To !«iiool n illi. and <>iiiii, l>iMt-li:ir^o oC the liiing 
of a gun and not tlii^ gun itself. The only sign I ever remendierto liav(^ 
seen for (liiiii was made by the arms being held in the position of 
shooting a gun ; but whether this sign was conventional or iiiiiuovised 
J do not remember. (Mottlii'irs.) 

The dexter thniiil) and lingers are Hashed or scattered, /. c, thrown 
outward or upward, to denote tire, (llnrton.) 

liight-liand lingers pointing upward, jiartially closed against the 
thumb, held to level of shoulder, suddenly elevated above the head, 
and the lingers and thumb at the same time snaiiped open to imitate the 
quick discharge of smoke from a gun. {Vhcycnnc 1.) 

Both index-fingers extended (others closed), thumbs resting on second 
fingers, the right brought to the right eye, with back of hand toward 
the right, horizontal linger pointing straight outward, and the left arm 
17 



mo 

cxIcikUmI to its full ciiicicit.v in front of the c.Vf, so that th(^ extended 
foielinjicr of tliat liand is on a line with the extended foretinycr of the 
iij;ht, hack of left hand towaid the left, hand horizontal, linger pointing 
forward. Ktlge of the linf;eis of both hands downward. (Dakota I.) 
" I'^idni the act of ainiini; with the ,i;iui.'' 

ISenii-Hex the linj^frs and thunili of the left hand, and place tlu^ hand 
in front of the chest, witli its palm inelininj;' downward, backward, and 
toward the rij;ht at an ant;le of l.">°; i)ass the rijilit list upward along 
the jialni of the left until the right wrist lies between the let t thiunb 
and index, then suddenly open ;dl the tiTigers. (Dah>ta IV.) 

The right hand brought to the light side of the ciiest's top in posi- 
tion (E 1), liorizontal ; the tinger.s suddenly opened, as in grasping a 
trigger; tlie h^ft arm and ind(?x-ting(!r extended, and the right hand in 
abo\'e position brought to the middle of the left arm ; the right hand 
suddenly expanded ui)ward, as the smoke from the explosion of the cap 
when the gun is discharged. [Olo and Misnoiiri I.) " That which is dis- 
charged by a trigger from the shoulder." 

<'ap, percussion. 

Left hand held in front of the breast, half closed, lingers of the right 
hand clasped as though gias|nng a small object and brought down to 
left hand ; motion made with the right luind as though cocking a gun; 
right hand sla])pe(l into the palm of the left hand, making a sharp clap. 
(Clicijeiuie I.) 

Discharge of a. 



l'lac(! both hands as in Arrow, t« !<«lioot an; extend the lelt arm, 
contract the right before the face, then snap the ends of the tinger.s 
forward. {Wied.) T\w descrij)tion is so amhiguous that I can not 
satisfy myself as to his meaning. I'erhai)s he is trying to describe a 
form of the sign for \'«8!oy, which 1 gave yon. (Matflicicn ) There is 
indis]iulable similarity in the (Olo and Missouri I) sign and ^yi<■l^s as to 
conceittion and execution, the slight ditfert'uce, being in executing it. 
(liotclcr.) 

Left hand with all the fingers extended, horizontal, back outward, edge 
of lingers downward, is held about IS inches in front of tln^ lireast, and 
the back of the right with lingers extended, upright, joined, back out- 
ward (S), is carried out from the breast, struck quickly against the 
palm of the left, /. c, clapping the hands. This is for a single dis- 
charge. For a continuous discharge of musketry, clap the hands many 
times in rapid .succession. (Dakota 1.) " J'Yoin the noise of the dischai'ge 
of lire-arms." 



131 

(wiiii-fliiil. 

With till' iiulcxtiiiger of tlic ri.nlit luit off a jjiccc of tlic cxtiMuled 
tliiiml), so that the tinker is laid across the tliuiiih iiail. ( Wcid.) I liavo, 
seen this sit;ii inadc {^f(lltll(n■.'i.) 

<iiieii|ion<l<'i'. 

Api)ear to take iij) a ])iiicli of the powder and to nd) it between tin; 
finger and thiunb, then turning- the hand spring th(^ lingers troni the 
thumb upward, so as to repres(>nt tiie cxidodingot tlie jiowder. (I.ouij.) 

Itub the tliunili and index linger togetlier repeatedly. ( Wicd.) 1 
renieiid)er iiaving seen this sign made; but 1 think that when the 
fingers were lubbed together they were held points downward, an ineli 
or so above the open ]ialiu of the lett haml. (M<tlthcirs.) 

Tiielett liand horizontal, palm ii](ward, tiiigers to the right (A ), is iield 
in front of thi' breast ; riglit hand (I'), with fingers i>oiiiting downward, 
back outward, is held over tlie palm of the left, with a slight motion of 
the thund) and forefinger, as though feeling the grains of jiowder with 
tlu'Ui. (Dakota I.) " Exauuning the grains of po\\(U-r." 

Kub the tliumi) and index of the right hand together for several 
seconds. {])akot(i W .) 

Hlevate tlie hand to indicate the gun and twist the lingers spirally 
around the thumb. ( Wn-d.) 

(iillll-<«llOt. 

First make the sign for l^\|>loK>ioil with the right hand, which is 
made by the tist (B li), excepting that the thumb is under the fingers 
i. c, resting' in the ])alm df the hand, the fingers are snapped forward 
and upward from the level of the breast to that of the head, where all 
the tingers are closed but tlie index and second, which are separated 
and point upward {^i). {Dakota 1.) " Indicates the explosion or dis- 
charge of both barrels of a doulile-barreled sliof-guii." 

To hit with a. 

Place the tips of the fingers downward n])oii the thumli, tluMi sua]) 
them forward and strike the hands together. ( Wiril.) I'robably when 
he says, ''strike the hands together," he wishes to describe my sign for 
Kliof. When the person whom the prince saw making this sign, 
raised the finger, he may have done so to indicate a llaii, or Onv 
shot. 1 do not think that the raising of the finger is an iufegral jiart of 
the sign, (^[atthelrs.) 

Same as Roiv, but in making the first sign liave both lian<ls o])ened 
and the tingers pointing toward the left. [Dakota IV.) 



132 

Place tli« left liaiid at arm's Icnstli i" front of the breast, the rij^htat 
the same elevation but in front of the rii;ht slionkler, then snap the 
tinfjvrs from the thnmb simnltaneously. When the siyu is nseil in eon- 
nection with other gestures in a sentence it is thus abbreviated; when 
used alone, the baeks of the fingers of the right hand are struck flat 
against the palm of the left. {I'fii-Ute I.) 

Extend the left hand, closed, nearly at arm's length. Place the closed 
riglit hand belore the right shoulder, first two fingers resting on the 
ball of tiie tlmiidi; then simultaneously snap forward the index and 
second lingers of the right hand and tlie forefinger of the left; finally, 
throw the open right hand over and downward toward ihe right. 
[fTte I; Ahmniha I ; ^hoshoni diid lianal; I.) "To hit and kill." 

To hit the target. 



With the hands in the position stated at the eomi>letion of the sign 
for (wiiii, (li!>ioli:ir^-e ol' a, draw the right hand back from the left, 
that is, in toward the body; close all the fingers excejit the index, 
which is extended, lioiizontal, back toward the right, pointing straight 
outward, is pushed forward against the center of the stationary left 
hand with a (|uick motion. iShonld the target not be hit it can be 
indicated by pushing the index above, below, or to the side of the left 
hand, as the case may require. (lUihifa I.) "From the striking of the 
target. Bullet comes to a sto])." 

H.iil. 

Begin with the sign of Water, then the sign of Cold, next the 
sign of a Nfoiie, then that for Maine or Siiiiilar, then the sign of 
H^liite, and lastly conclude with the sign of an Eg'S'; ''!' of which 
coiidtined gives the idea of hail. (Diaihar.) 

With the forefinger of right hand resting against the ball of the 
thujub, with the second and third phalanges crooked in such a manner 
as to form a small round opening resendding a hail-stone, ofhei- fingers 
extended, make in front of face and abo\e and around it the upward 
and downward movements, describing the falling of hailstones. (Da- 
kota I.) " From the falling of liail-stones." 

Deaf unite natural xii/ns. — Kepresented by showing the ball of the 
thumb to indicate the size, pointing to the shirt-bosom to signify the 
color, and mo\ ing the extended fingers down repeatedly to denote the 
fall. {Ballard.) 

.Mo\e the hands outstretched u])ward and downward, and then strike 
the list on the head. (Lar.son.) 

Hair. 

The movement of condiing. (Dunbar.) 



•1 33 

(1) Left liaiul natiirall.v closed, elevated to tlie front of tli(> |)ersoii, 
rii;lit liaiid held carelessly ai;'aiiist basi^ of tliimd) of left liaiid ; (L') si<;ii 
for 4iirnwM made. This si<;Ti is sonietiiiies made o\cr oilier portions of 
the body, the idea l>eiii,u' sldii t;rass. (('hi-i/cinic I.) 

Touch the hair of the person or animal with the ri.i;ht index. (Ihiko- 
1a I.) " J)esii;nating the hair." 

Halt ! Slop! 

liaise the hand, with the palm in front, and push it liaekw.ird and 
forward several times — a j;esture well iuiow n in the Ivist. (Hnrloii.) 

I'alm of ri.uht hand down, nio\e sideways two <ii- thi( e times, dnrin;;- 
the extension of arm slowly extending- to natural len,i;th (not stretched), 
then stopjieil and held still a nniment, ycntly lower a little, M'ith a care- 
ful movement to the ri-;ht of said slionldei'. (Ojiliini W .) 

Kiji'ht hand brouuht in front of the right breast a lew inches, haiul 
aiul fingers u])iight, joined. i)alm outward ('I''), cai'ry it in this position 
directly outward from the body witii a (piick moN'enient, and when the 
arm is extended about two-thiids of its capacity, come to a sudden stop 
and hold there a monu'Ut. {Ihikota I.) "from the act of stopjiing 
suddenly." 

liotli hands clinched as in (A), held in front of the body, the right 
hand aboxc the left, liring the right hand down ipiickly on top of the 
left. (l),di,tii III.) 

Shake the upright ojjened right hand four to eight inches from sid(» 
to side a few times, from twelve to eighteen inclu^s in front of the right 
shoulder, the palm forward, lingers relaxeil and sepaiate(l a little: then 
close the haml and lower the list about eighteen inches, back ontwai-d. 
[Ihibttn W.) 

Auothei-: Incline the body forwaid, |)!acc the right list at arm's length 
forward, a little higher than the navel, bent njiward at the wrist, back 
outward, then move the fist downward about eiglite<'n inches. {Dakota 
IV.) 

Extend the left hand, i)alms turne<l inward, lingers closed. Extend 
the right in the same way and bring the extended palm of the right 
smartly across the tii)s of the fingers of the left, Just missing them. 
While traveling, if they want to stop and camp, this sign is used with 
the following addition: Olinch the right fist (F) and bring it snmrtly 
(h>wn. This indicates they will xit doini there. (CoHnnu-hr \.) "Out 
it oH." 

Close the right, leaving the index billy extended; place the ti)) to the 
mouth, then direct it firmly forward and downward toward the ground. 
(Pr(j- Ute I.). 



Deaf-mute naturul .si>(.— Lift both li;iti(ls ii]). {Zcigler.) 

Italian ni(in. — The open hniHl stretched out with the tiii{iei'« n[). 

[llKtli-r.) 

Halt. A stoppiiifiphiee. 

Must be indicated by tiie iti()i>er name of the place (as Bad Kiver, 
Standing li()ci<, liij;- Woods, &e.) at which the halt (whicli is also the 
sleeping-place for the night) is made. Indians have no "halts" in the 
lOnglish sense of the word, but would say instead, " I slept at such a 
river or rock." In only one way can Indians be said to have halting- 
places, (. f., as on a long journey over a well-known country the same 
cami)s are made time after time as long a.s timber and water last, and 
distance is rougidy calculated or estimated by so many cami)s or days' 
journey. ( Dakofa I.) 

Hniiiiiiei*. 

Same as the sign for Ntone, Hard, &c. Sometimes a distinction 
is sought to be nuule in the case of Hummer by ])ouiiding in the 
])alm of the left hand with the lower part of the right tist (A). (Dakota 
I.) " From the u.se of the hammer." 

HaildNOllK*. (Compare 4iiood and Prelfy.) 

Ivight hand touching tlu; U'ft side of forehead, hand horizontal, palm 
inward, fingers joined, and the thumb pointing oblifpiely ui)ward (W 
2), bring the hand down over the face to the left breast, there turn the 
han<l so that it will be as in (W) with tips of extended lingers pointing 
toward the left, and carry it outward and toward the right. (Dakota I.) 
" Pretty face, good heart." 

Ih'uf'iniite natural shjn. — Draw the outstretched palm of the right 
hand down the right cheek. (Zci(/ler.) 

HaraiijSiie. Bee Kpeakin^. 

Hard. 

0])en the left hand and strike against it several times with the right 
(with tlie backs of the fingers). ( Wied.) Still used for hard in certain 
.senses. (Matthcics.) 

Same as the .sign for Ktoiie. (Dakota I.) " Would seem to refer to 
the time when tlie stone hammer was the hardest pounding iiKstrument 
these Indians knew." 

Rotate the right tist a very little from side to side while raising it 
about a foot from just iu front of the right breast, its palm inward. 
The fist re])resents the heart which is hard, and the motion it.s beating. 
{Dakota IV.) 



135 

Strike tlie palmoftlK! left liniid with tlic front oftlic ri.uht tisi scvciai 
tiiiics. (Kaiotcn I; Vomdix-lic 111; A}i(iclic [I ; Wichita II.) 

I'nsli the tij) of tlie ri^jiit index apainst tJie tif;htl,vclinclic<l left list 
(A) at several j>()ints. { Apache III.) " hnpcMetialiiiitv." 

l>c((J''iiiiite natural si<iii.s. — Striiie tlie lists toyclhei'. (LarKini.) 

Hold the forefin<;cr and tliiiinli as if jtressinn' soniethinji' ix^tween, at 
tlie same time smaek the lii)s as if tiiere was a pasty suiistaiiee between. 

(Zeigler.) 

Excessively hard: liardcr lliaii anylliini;-. 

Mala^ the si<;ii for Hard, tiieti ])lace tlie left index-fint^cr njion the 
I'ij^lit shoulder, at tlie same time extend and raise t lie ri.nlit arm lii.i;li, 
exteiidiu;;' tlie index-fiufjer upwaid piTpcndi<'nlarly. ( Winl.) 'I'lus was 
said by an Oi^'alala to mean '-a hardy man." {('tirhnxiir.) 

Strii^e the jialm of the lett hand with the liaclc of the riulit list .'to 
denote the resistance); then iriake the sij>ii for ll:ii'il. {PaLolii l\'.) 

Hare. 

With tiu^ fore and second lin^i'i's (.\% witli the two lingers consider- 
ably .separated) of each hand on their respective sides of tiu^ head, and 
with the extended liii<;eis iHiiidiii^' upward, backs of hands liuht )<> rinht 
and left to It" t, wai' them forward and liackward, and then witli botii 
hands open, lingers stiaight, slightly se])arated, |)ointing npiight, backs 
of hands in the same relative position as above, in front and at the h^vel 
of till' face, and with the left hand seven or eight iiieiics forwaid of tiie 
right, make tlie forward movements with botii at the same time in imita- 
tion of the rniiiiing jiim|)s of tlie rabliit liy mo\ iiig them forward on a 
short curve, and tlicii at tlic level of tlie breast lay I lie extended straigiit 
and Joined lirst and second lingers of the right hand across tiie backs ot 
of the similarly extended fore and second lingers of the left at right 
angles. {Dakota I.) "From the ears, manner of iiinning, sliadow. vS:c., 
of tlic labliit." 

Hnt. 

Pass the parted thumb and iiidex-tingcr about liotli sides of the head 
where the hat rests upon it. {Wicl} This sign is still in use among 
the Indians. {Mattheir.s.) The latter movement of the hand in W'Icir.s 
sign is probably the same as the lirst motion of the [OInand Mi.snouri 1) 
sign, [liotekr.) 

With the light index extended and pointing toward the left, and liie 
thumb extended and jiointing backward, the other tiiigers closed, move 
the hand from the top of the head forward and downward to the eye- 
brows. iUahttalX.) "Covering the head." 



ISC) 

riacc^ tli(^ extended iiidcx-finj>er and tluiiiib <in the forehead and right 
side of llie liead, tlieii draw tlieiii together on a Jiorizontal line where 
the liat n>sts upon tiie liead. {Dtdcota V.) 

The arms and liands are raised to the forehead, the thumbs are erect, 
the extenih'd indices meet at the mi(hlleof the forehead — the hands are 
in iKisition (fj) — and diverge, drawing a line to tlie ears. The Jingersare 
uow ck)seil and seemingly pall something from the top of the head downi- 
ward. {Oto and Mismuri I.) "Something that is pulled down on and 
marks the forehead." 

Ila(i-hrt. See Toiiialian k. 

Hate, I. (Compare C'oiiteiii|>t.) 

Shake the head, make outward (jnick motion of both hands as if 
pushing back with the right hand, i)alms out, extend thumb and fingers 
partly, and sometimes shut the hands or fists closely, indicating more 
intense feeling. (Ojilnca IV.) 

The sign is nearly the same as for Contempt, Ui!>i<laill, but the 
thnnib is held under the hand, its tip projecting between the second 
and third lingers, and the hand is thrown out in front of the body and 
fingers separated, back upward, with great force. This expresses genu- 
ine hate, hatred, and the case is always a- serious one where this sign is 
used by an Indian, wlio also expresses his hatred bj' apj)ro])riate facial 
emotions. (Jhd.-ota I.) 

Have; 1 Have. See PoKMeNwioii. 

He, or anotliei*. 

The forefinger extended and hands shut, and fingers brought over one 
another, or nearly touching, and then separated moderately quick. 

(DkuIkiv.) 

Indicate one's self liy touching or otherwise, followed by sign of IVeg'a- 
ti»e; /. c, "not myself, another." {Arapaho I.) 

Indicate the particular person or persons to which reference is made 
by ]>ointing toward him or them with the right index (^^I). (Dakotal.) 
" Designating a i)articular person." 

(1) Only by pointing with right index (2) an<l extending left index. 
(ApacJie lU.) (2) Tiie person (1) over there. 

Dvuf-mnte Hujn. — Point the thumb over the right shoulder. 



\-61 

Ill the plirasi' of, Another spcoks. 

rn-cede the jiestiuc for Mpt'ak, l>,v i)liiciim- tlie haiwl not near tlio 
iiioiitli, but begiiiiiiiig furllu'r away, drawing' it nearer and nearer. 

( ^y ><■<}.) 

Heap, pile, iiioiiiid. 

The hands are brought from their natural jxisitions by a curved motion 
with the i)alms downward, tingers extench'd sepaiated, nearly together 
in front of the breasts, l.S inelies, fingers ])oiiding outward, hands hori- 
zontal, tlat, &c., when the eurved motions eease, and the hands (W) 
are carried straight downward six or seven inches and brought to 
a stop snddenly as though patting (hjwn the top of a i)ile. [Dakota I.) 
"From the shape ()f a mound, heap, or [lile." 

Hear, to; heariai;; : heard; listen. ((dm]>are I'lKlei'slaiid.) 

I'laee the open thumb and indexlinger over the right ear, and mo\e 
them hither and thitlier. {Wied.) 1 lia\c given you this sign with a 
simihir meaning, bnt, as in signs for Coot and Lnjij'nujs^ 1 say I lie linger 
tills are in contact, which he says they are not. Tlie lemarks 1 make 
about this ditterenee in tlie former signs may apply as well to tiiis. 
(Mottla'ir!<.) 

Taji tlie right ear with tiie index tii). (Burton.) 

X twirling at tlie ear. (Moajon-on.) 

First and nuddle tinger of right hand pointing upward iield close to 
jight ear; moved gently downward and forward, eyes looking askan(;e, 
eyebrows contracted as if in the act of listening. [Chet/enne I.) 

Place the hand partially closed, palm to the front, behind the ear. 
[Arapalio 1.) 

First makethe sign for Atteiilioil, and then carry the hand back iu 
the same position to near the right breast, and at the same time in- 
cline the head toward the sound or the direction in whicli it comes. 
{Jhiloto I.) "8ameaswiih us; first attracting attention as an indica- 
tion to keep (piiet and then listening." 

Close the right hand, leaving tln' inilex and thumb fully extended 
and separated; place the hand upon tlu' right ear with the iiulex above 
it and the thumb below; then pass forward and sliglitly downward by 
the cheek. (Ahsarokal; Jlidatna I; Ar!k(ir<il; tSlioshoni and Ilanak I.) 

Forefinger right hand extended, curved, (others closed) : thumb rest- 
ing on second tinger is carried directly to the right ear. (Ihtkotii I.) 
"From the act of hearing." 
18 



138 

Holding the, fliigcrs as for I know, place tbe rij;lit iudex, back out- 
ward, in front of tlie rijilit ear, poinring njjward and a little forward. 
(Dalota IV.) 

The tips of the forefinger and thumb being opposed, the hand is held a 
few inches from the ear and then caused to ai)proach the latter. The 
hand may tlien be restored to its original position and motion repeated. 
[Mnndan und Uidal.sa I.) 

S[»read tlie thnmb and index widely apart, remaining tingers closed; 
place the hand, palm forward, to the sid(^ of the head, the thumb below 
the ear, and the index above it ; then move the hand forward and down- 
ward. (K(iii>H-(( I; Comanche 111; Apiivlie II; Wichita II.) 

Place the hand behind the ear in the most natural manner for a 
listener. ((Urmanche I.) " I want to hear." 

Fingers and thumb of the right hand closed, index crooked, placed 
oi)i)osite and [yoiuting to the ear, palm toward the shoulder, and moved 
toward the ear sevenil times. [Apuvlir I.) 

To listen. 

Uold the right index in front of the ear as for I Hear, and then 
turn the hand a little from side to side two or three times. (Dakota IV.) 

Bring the hand (R with last three tingers shut) near the ear, thumb 
and index raised, other fingers closed; turn the head to bring the ear 
toward source of sound; facial exi)ression inquiring. (Apache III.) 
" Sound coming to ear." 

Deafmntc natural .lifins. — Place the forefinger on the ear; at the same 
time incline the head as if to listen to something. (Zeitjler.) 

Move the forefinger nearly to the ear. (Ballard.) 

To point the finger to the ear. (Larson.) 

Do not. 1 do not understand. 



Make the sign for I l^iidei'Ktand, 1 Hear, and then the sign for 
]%0, or throw the hand outward from the ear. (Ikikota IV.) 

Point the forefingers of both hands to the external meatus of the ears. 
(Zuni I.) 

With one's own ears, To. 

iSIake the sign for Hear, then pass the iudex of the right hand from 
the left ear outward toward the left. (Arikara I.) 



1.'59 

Heard. I have. 

OlHMi wide tlic thumb and iiidoxfliiscr of tlio liulit liaiid, place tlioin 
over the ear, and in tbis i)o.sitiou move them ((uickly jjast tlie chin and 
nose. (Wie<L) 

Bring- the extended pahn (W) to tlie ear a time oi- two, as if tanning- 
the ear. (Comanche I.) 

Heart. 

Same as tlie sign for I, ])ersonaI pronoun. [Ihtkuta I.) The lieart i.s 
selected as the seat of all tlie emotions. 

I>ad. See B:id ilea 1*1. 

Ciood. See iiiHn\ heart. 



Heat. 

The two hands raised as high as th(> head and bending forward hori- 
zontally, with the jioints of the (ingei-s eurxiug a little downward. 
[DnnJiar.) 

(1) Both hands, ]ialm downwanl, elevated to the hncl of the eyes and 
extended outward: (!') broiiglit (h)wnward with a rajiid motion, half 
opened while descending, licfeience to the sun's rays, for more (lartic- 
ular idea '-it feels hot," right hand held with little linger against the 
l)art affected and sign for Fire niade. (CIicjhiiiic 1.) 

Place both hands over the head, palms down, tlugers pendent and 
hanging downward at a short distance from the forehead. (Kaioicii I ; 
Comanche III ; Ajuichc 1 1 : ]Vi<hita II.) This sign if made a little lower 
and in front of the face, the hands also being lowered and laiscd again 
.several times (jnickly, signities Raiil. " K'ays of light and heat." 

Heavy. 

Place both tiat and extended hands before theehest, pointing forward 
with the i>alm uji. about four inches a|)art,as if supporting a large body; 
then move them sinudtancously upward and downward about two or 
three inches, the upward motion being made more rapidly than the 
downward. (Kaion-(( I : Coiiiaiiche III; Ajtachell; Wichita II.) 

Pciint at an imaginary object: seize with both hands and lift with 
great ett'ort; also, take up an imaginary object in one hand and lift 
slowly two (>r three feet (Y). {Apache III.) 

With both hands clinched (B). anus more than half exteiHle(l, draw 
them U])ward in trout of the body from the level of the abdomen to that 
of the face, with a slow and more or less intermitted movemcTit, as 
though the hands seized and conveyed upward a heavy hody ; at the 
same time the ellbrt is deiu)ted by contraction of the facial nuiscles 
{Dahlia I.) " From the act of lifting a heavy body." 



140 

Help, To aMMi^it. 

nriiig iij;lit liaiid uj) to rijilit breast, forefinger straiglit (J in upriglit 
position, palm out) ; tlie left to the left breast, same ])osition, bands about 
six inelies apart. Move both forward. {Oto antl Jflsxoiiri I.) 

Only by others eomini;- to join in doing some si)ecial work. {Apavhe 
III.) ' ' 

First eommence with the open right hand (Y) l>aek outward, pointing 
obli(juely upward, about two feet from the right side of the front of the 
body and draw inward nearly to the body, describing a series of circu- 
lar moveuients, then without stopping the movement of the hand, carry 
it with moderate forct^, back upward, horizontal, fingers extended, 
straiglit, joined, etc., against the jialm of the left hand, (iuTier side of 
the right index striking it), which is held horizontal, about a foot in front 
of the body, with fingers extended, straight. Joined, etc., edge downward, 
back toward the right, and then the right hand is carried outward from 
the body b,y a series of circular movements the reverse of the tirst 
movements given above. {Dakota I.) " Come and help uie." 

Here. 

Right hainl closed, fist, back outward, upright, is moved upward and 
downward in front of right side of body from the level of the breast to 
that of the \o\> of the head. (Dakota I.) "It is right here; at the 
l)lace." 

The right arm is tlexed toward the body, and the hand in type- 
position (A) describes a circle before the breast. The sign continu- 
ing from the completion of the circle, the hand is fully opened as in type- 
jtosition (S 1), horizontal, and edges being held upward and downward, , 
and made to strike the ground forcibly. {Oto and Misnoiiri I.) " On 
this very spot of earth." 

Oidy by pointing, as to ground or into my tent as 1 sat at its entrance. 
{Apache III.) 

Where we stand. 



kSame position of hand as Cirent dif^t.aiice, and point down directly 
in Iroiit to the feet or between them with sudden dropping of head or 
(juick bow, the eyes following the direction of the hand in every 
instance. {Ojihwa IV.) 

Hide, To; Coiieenl. (Compare Steal.) 

Place the hand inside the clothing of the left breast. This means also 
to jtut away or to keep secret. (lUirton.) 

(1) Sign for Sleal ; (2) left hand flat, palm downward, placed near 
some part of the body; (.'{) right-hand fingers hooked ; covered by left. 
{Cheyenne 1.) 



141 

Tlio Irft hand stationary about oijilit indios in front of left breast, 
horizontal, back ontwanl, fdnc downward, lin^icrs closed, and then ])ass 
the right hand, with fingers hooked, back ot liand outward, edge of 
fingers downward, horizontal, (|niekly between the left hand ;ind tiie 
body to the left side, as though passing it under a bhniket or the eoat. 
Although not identieal with the sign for Stcaliiui this sign icsenibles 
it very niueh, and it is used to denote coneealinent of any article 
from view, much the same as we would |)ut out of sight any aitie.le we 
did not wish seen for any reason other than that the article was stolen. 
[Dahtta I.) "riaeing it out of sight." 

Hold the o])ened left lian<l, palm downward, fingers ])ointing toward 
tlie right a foot or eighteen inches in fiont of the lower part of the chest, 
and pas.S the opened right hand, jialm downward, o\i'i' it, and along tlie 
forearm to the elbow ; tiien close both hands and carry the rii;lit list 
under the left arm, as if liidiiig it. [Dukald l\'.) 

(irasp the toretinger of the right with the ])alm of the lett. Some- 
times, when d(Viring to express Tl/eft they go through the motion of 
concealing something under their Idanket. [Comanrhc I.) 

Deaf-mute tiutural xif/iix. — First hold the o|(en left hand in front of the 
body, next jtass slowly the open right hand lieside the left, and at the 
same time incline the head, with the mouth closely shut and the eyes 
half opened, toward the left, and then jioint to rlie hidingplace. {IIkkch- 
stab.) 

To )>ut the outstr<'tclied hands together toward the head. {Larson.) 

To incline the head and face as if .seeking some place of refuge. 
{Zeigler.) 

Secret, secreted. 



Deaf-mute natural siipis. — Having touched the lower liji, the mouth 
oi)ening ami shutting alternately, sliake your head. (Cross.) 

Place the forehnger on the mouth, at the .same time moving the lips 
as if speaking, and then .shake the head as if to .say "no." (Zei</ler.) 

Hide, wkiii. 

Sign for Ailiiltal ; both hands closed, i>alms facing but not touch- 
'ing each other; quickly but slightly drawn ai)art. (Cliri/enne I.) 

Hi^ii. See Bis' i" the sense of Hi;;ii. 

Hill, hliiff*, iiioiiiilaiii. 

A clinched hand held uji on the side of the head, at the distance of a 
foot or more from it. To signify a range of mountains, hold up the fin- 
gers of the left hand a little diverging from each othei-. ( Lou;/.) 



142 

Close tlie fiiif;er tips over tlie head ; if a moiiiitaiTi is to l)e expressed, 
raise tlieiii liioli. To denote an ascent on rising ground, jmss tlie right 
])ahn over tiic left hand, half donbling np the latter, so that it looks like 
a ridge. {Burton.) 

Both hands ontsj.read near eaeh other, palms downward, and elevated 
to the level of the face: brought downward to represent the slope of a 
hill, the motion at the base being somewhat more rapid than at the first 
part. (Cheyenne I.) 

Hold the left hand clinched at some distance before the face, the 
knuckles jiointing ui)ward, representing the elevation or hill. (Ddhita 
VII.; 

Ooing over a. 

First make the sign for Hill as contained in i^l oil 11 tain, with both 
hands or with the left hand, in front of breast, and then the right liand 
is drawn back toward the body (left, representing the hill, stationary)^ 
and then carried outward with short. Jerking m<itions o\er the back of 
the left, a.s though a man was riding- or walking oxer a hill. {Thiluita I.) 
"Cioing over a hill and ]iassing out of view." 

Hold the lett hand about a foot in front of the njjper j)art of the chest, 
back outward and forward, and pass the slightly-tlexed right hand for- 
ward o\ ei- it, about twelve inches, through an arc beginning two or three 
inches behind it, back upward, the fingers at first ])ointing a little nji- 
ward, then forward, and toward the last a little (hiwnward. (Ihilota IV.) 

Peak. 



Place the left fist, with the knuckles ])ointing ui)ward, at sonic distance 
before the face. (Utei.) 

Close the left hand loo.sely, the thumb resting upon the middle joiiit 
of the forefinger, palm towaid the face, and hold it as high as the shoul- 
der. (Apache I.) 

Hoe; H((eing. 

I'antominie of handle by extended left arm, blade liy adjusted right 
liaiul, and the action of using a hoe. (Apache III.) 

Hog. 

Hight-hand fist (B, turned downward) is moved around in various 
directions below the level of the body, poniting downward, with upward 
movements in imitation of the hog's maniuM" of rooting in the ground 
with its snout. (Ihil.ola I.) " From the hog's manner of eating." 

lioth hands are brought to the sides of tiie head in type-position (W), 
and nia<le to vibrate to and from, the thick of hand being stationary. The 



14;; 

right liiiiul then ;ij)i)r()iiclies tlic iiuuitli, and is iiiatlo to scoDp succes- 
sively toiwaid fnmi the imiiith, in iniitatiDn of tiic animal phjwing the 
jiidnnd. (Oto (Uiil Missouri I.) "A l)cing\\illi large eais that plows iiji 
earth w itli its nose." 

(1) Hand on edge, t'orwarcl (T on edge), waved xcM-tically and forward, 
short, (luicU motion; (U) hand nearly exteinled, lingers gathered together 
(U, more hiosely and bent a little), and placed in front of the month, 
tips forward. (Apaclir 111.) "(Jait of animal, and sriont. Tlu". first 
part of the sign is an i(U'ally iierfec.t reprodncti(ni of the trot of fhe 
half-grown |)orkers scavenging the agency rnhliish." 

Iloilt-Kl. lioiie!«lr. (Cinnpare Triilli.) 

Right hand held with tlnnnh inward against the heart: forelinger 
extended, knnckle ]>laced against the nKHith; tlirnsi straight forward 
and ontward in a slight downward cnive to express "straight t'rom the 
heart." (Vheyennv 1.) 

An honest man. 



First make the sign for ^Inil and then the sign for Triitll. This 
relates to T/'Mf, ^*v(f/(, in speaking, lie tills no lies. It is snch a rare 
ocenrrence for one Indian to steal from another of the same tribe, that 
the Sioux have no separate sign for An honest man, as implying the 
opposite of Thief. {Dalota 1.) 

Indicate the person with the index, then place both hands, tlat anil 
extended, about eighteen inches ai)art, with i)alms facing, as high as the 
head, and move them eastward to arm's length. ( Wyandot I.) " (Tni- 
form from head to foot, or, literally , the same from end to end." 

Indicate objet-t. (1) Gras[) toward it (P, closing more and jn'one)- 
(2) sign of negation; (3) wave the hands off forward and down (Q). 
[AiMwhe UL) "(I) Taking; (2) no; (.'i) leaves it where it is." 

First point to the person, then make sign for <ir004l ; then i)hu'e 
fist of left hand at a i)oint in front of bo<ly (A. 1, changed to left), and 
make a i)ass under it with right hand, as though grasping something 
and ]>ulling it away from where it belongs, fingers and thumb naturally 
relaxed at first (Y 1, palm down), but before the return movement is 
made the fingers and thumb are cirsed (A 2, palm inward), as though 
laying hold of something; then the final motion is making the sign of 
jVe$;'alioil, A'ot. (fiuhdptin I.) " He is a good man ; will steal notli- 
ing at all." 

Horror. 

The palm of the right hand {W 2) laid over the mouth, and at the 
same time the sign for Surprise is made by drawing the head and 
body backward. I have seen a few Imlians use both hands in making 



1 )4 

this sign, laying one <n'er the other crosswise, tliiis +, covering the 
month. One of tiiese signs wonhl be used as above if an Indian walk- 
ing along should unexpectedly see the body of a dead person lying on 
the ground, wiien the sign for Surprine would be made simultaneously 
as ex]iressing his emotions. One of the signs would also be used by a 
])ersou on hearing of an unexpecte<l death; and 1 believe it was some 
occurrence of this ]<ind that misled the Prince ot! Wled-Neuwicd and 
caused him to give snbstantiail.N the second sign above as the one for 
Deud, Death. ( Ihikota I.) 

Horse. 

The riglit hand witii the edge downward, the fingers joined, the 
thurnlt recumbent, extended forward. {J>i(iihar.) 

Place the index an<I third linger of the right hand astraddle the 
index tingerof the left. ( Wied.) Jiythe "third" he means the "middle" 
finger, as apiiears in another connection. He counts the thumb as the 
first. — Ed. r have <lesoribed this sign in words to the same effect. 
{iM((ttltcir.<:.) The right arm is raised, and the hand, o])ened edgewi.se, 
with fingers parallel and ai)i)roximated, is drawn from left to right before 
the body at the su])p()sed height of the animal. There is uo couceiva- 
aVile identity in the execution of this sign and iVied^s, but the sign for 
Ilorst' by the I'rince of Wivdis nearly identical with the sign for Ride 
a lloi'ise among the Otos. (lioteler.) 

Left-hand thumb and foretinger straigiitened out, held to the level of 
and in front of the brea.'t; right-hand foretinger separated from the 
middle tinger and thrown across the left liaud to imitate the act of 
bestriding. They appear to have uo other concei)tion of a horse, and 
have thus indicated that they have known it only as an animal to be 
ridden. (Clici/cinw I.) 

A hand passed across tlie forehead. (Macgowan.) 

Draw the right hand from left to right across the body about the 
heart, the fingers all closed exc(4)t the index. {Dodge.) This i)rol)ably 
refers to the girth. It has a reseml)laiice to liuytoii^ssigii for Dog", and 
is easily confounded with his sign for Think, Cwiiess. 

Place the first two fingers of the right hand, thumb extended (X 1), 
(h)wnward, astraddle the first two joined and straight fingers of the 
left hand (T 1 ), sidewise to the right. Many Sioux Indians use only the 
forefinger straightened. {Dakota I.) " Horse mounted." 

The first and second fingers extended and separated, remaining fingers 
and thumb closed ; left forefinger extended, horizontal, remaining flnger.s 



145 

and tliiinil) dosed : jilacetlie ri,';lit-li:iiid tingi'is asfiidc of the roivfiiificr 
of tlie left, and both liands jfikcd toj^x'tlier, up and down, to ropiescut 
tlic motion of a horse. [Ihihtta III.) 

The two liands \w'm<i clinclied and near together, pahns (hiwiiward, 
thninlis again.st the forefingers, tlirow them, each alternately, forward 
and backward about a foot, through an ellii)sis two or thiee times, from 
about six inches in front of the chest, to imitate the gallopingof a horse, 
or the liands may be held forward and not moved. (Dakotit W .) 

Place the extended and separated index and second fingers of the 
right hand astraddle of the extended forefinger of the left. ( Dakotn VI, 
VII; HUlntm I; Arikani J.) 

The left hand is placeil before the chest, back upward, in the jiosition 
of an index-hand pointing forward; then the first and second fingers 
of the right hand (only) being extended, sejiarateil, and pointing down- 
ward, are set one on eacli side of the left foiefinger, tiie inter-digital 
space resting on the forefinger. The ])alm faces downward and back- 
ward. This i'e])resents a rider astride of a horse. ( Miiiuhtii a ml lliihitsu I.) 

Close hands, except forefingers, which are curved downwaid ; move 
them forward in rotation, imitating the fore feet of the horse, and make 
l)utting sound of " Uh, nli!" (OdkiIki I.) "This sign rei)resenfs the 
horse racing off to a safe distance, then puffs as he tosses liis iiead." 

The arm is tlexe<l and with the hand extended is brought on a level 
with the month. The hand then assumes the ])osition ("W 1), modified 
by being held edges uj) and down, ])alni toward the chest, instead of 
fiat. The arm and hand being held thus about tlu^ usual height of a 
hoise are made to pass in an undulating manner across the face or body 
about one foot distant from contact. The latter movements are to re- 
semble the animal's gait. (Oto I.) " Ileight of aniuuil ami mo\-ement 
of same." 

The index and second Angers of the right hand arc ])laced astraddle 
the extended forefinger of the left. ( Wi/andot I.) 

Hold the right hand Hat, extended, with fingers joined, lay the thumb 
inward against the i)alm, then pass the hand at arm's length before the 
face from left to right. {Kaioira I ; domanchi' III ; Apache II ; Wichita II.) 

Another: Place the extended and separated index and second finger.s 
astraddle the extended and horizontal forefinger of the left hand. {Kai- 
owa 1; Comanche III; Apache II; Wichita II.) " This sign is only used 
communicating with uninstructed white men, or with other Indians when 
whose sign for Horse is specifiually distinct." 
19 



146 

Place the right hand, pahii down, before the right side of the chest; 
l)lace the tips of the second and third Angers against the ball of the 
thumb, allowing the index and little fingers to project to represent the 
ears. Fref|nently the middle lingers extend equally with and against the 
thumb, forming the head of the animal, the ears always being represented 
by the two outer lingers, viz., the index and little finger. { Ute I.) 

Elevate the right hand, extended, with fingers Joined, outer edge 
toward the ground, in front of the body or right shoulder, and pointing 
forward, resting the curved thumb against the palmar side of t|ie index. 
{Apache I.) " This sign appears also to signify Animal generically, being 
frequently employed as a preliminary sign when denoting other species." 

Deaf-mute natural .s/^h.v.— Imitate the motion of the elbows of a man 
on horseback. (Ballard.) 

Act in the manner of a driver, holding the lines in his hands and 
shouting to the horse. (Cross.) 

Move the hands several times as if to hold the reins. (Larson.) 

Our instructed dc;if-mutes indicate the ears, followed by straddling 
the left hand by the fore and nnddle fingers of the right. The French 
deaf-mutes add to the straddling of the index the motion of a trot. 

A man on a. 

Same sigu as for Hori^e, with the addition of erecting the thumb 
while making the gesture. (Dodge.) 

Bay. 

Make the sigu for Hoi*!!>e, and then rub the lower part of the cheek 
back and forth. (Dalwta IV.) 

Black. 



^lake the sign for llor^e, and then point to a black object or rub 
the back of the left hand with the palm of the fingers of the right. 
(Dakota IV.) 

IJronco. An untamed horse. 



Make the sign To ride, then with both hands retained in their rela- 
tive positions, move them forward in high arches to show the bucking 
of the animal. ( Ute I.) 

Grazing of a. 



jNIake the sign for Horve, then lower the hand and pass it from side 
to side as if dipping it upon the surface. ( Ute I.) 



147 



PackincT a. 



Hold the left hand, poiiititif-- forward, palm inward, a foot in front of 
the chest and lay the opened right hand, pointing forward, first obliquely 
along the right side of the upper edge of the left hand, then on to]), and 
then obliciuely along the left side. {Ihtkota IV.) 



Kacer, fast horse, ete. 

The right arm is elevated and bent at right angle before the face; the 
hand, in position (Si 1) inoditied by being horizontal, palm to the tace, 
is drawn across edgewise in front of the face. Tlie hand is then closed 
and in position (O) approaches the mouth from which it is opened and 
closed successively forward several times, finally it is suddenly thrust 
out in position ( W 1 ) back concave. ( Oto and Missouri.) " Is expressed 
in the first sign for Hoi'!«e, then the motion for (piick running." 

Itacinu'. 



Extend the two forefingers and after ])hu'iiig them parallel near 
together in front of the chest, backs upward, push them raiiidly for- 
ward al>out a toot. (Dakota IV.) 

Place both hands, wiili the forefingers only extended and pointing 
forward side l)y side with the i>alms down, before the body; tlien imsli 
them alternately backward and forward, in imitation of the movement 
of horses who are running ''neck and neck." {Ute I ; Apache I, II.) 

Saddling a. 



Hold the left h.and as in the sign for llor^e, Pni'killj^' a, and lay 

the seun-Hexed right hand across its ui)i)er edge two or three times, the 
ends of the right fingers toward the left. (Dakota IV.) 

Spotted ; pied. 



Make the sign for Hoi>e, then the sign for Mpotled. (Dakota IV.) 

Hoi'Meliack, To ride. 

;\Iake the sign for Hoi'Nt*, with the difference that hand extends 
farther and the gesture is made (juickly. ( Wied.) 

Separate the fore and middle fingers of the right hand, over the fin- 
gers of the left extended and joined, both i)alms toward the body, the 
forefinger of the right along the back of the left hand. (Arapaho I.) 

Place the fore and middle fingers across the forefinger of left hand, 
both advanced in front of breast, both hands advancing motions as if 
riding, by up and down motions on finger and left hand. (OJibira lY.) 

Place the first two fingers of the right hand (i\ with thumb resting 
on third finger) astraddle the two joined (many Sioux use only the fore- 



148 

finger straifjliteiiod) niid .straislit first fiiifjer of the left (T 1), then 
make several short arched movements forward with hands so joined. 
(Dakota 1.) " The horse mounted and in motion." 

Doul)le tlie fists and make a succession of plunging motions, alter- 
nately with either hand, forward and downward in imitation of the 
motion of a iiorse's forefeet in trotting or galloping. Tiie sign of strad- 
dling the fingers for ridhu/ is also in use among the Sioux, but is not 
so common as the above. {Dakota 11.) 

Extend and spread the right fore and middle fingers and place them, 
their ends pointing directly downward, astride the fingers of the left 
hand; the little and ring fingers of the right hand to be semi-flexed, 
thumb against index; the radial side of the left hand to be upward, fin- 
gers extended and joined, pointing forward, thumb in i)alm, then 
raise and lower the end of the left hand several times. This sign is 
also used for Home when the hands are kept still. ( Dakota IV.) 

Extend the first two fingers of the left hand before the body, then 
straddle the fore and second fingers of the right hand across those of 
the left ; in this position, make a series of sliort jumps or jerks from left 
to riglit, imitating tlie gallop of a horse. (Dakota V.) 

Make tin? sign for Horse, and as the hands are retained in this 
position, move them forward in short curves to rei)resent motion of 
riding. (Dakota Yl; HIdafsal; Arikara I.) 

The hands are arranged as in the sign for Hortue, and then moved 
forward. (Hidat.sn 1.) Tiiis indicates in a general way a journey on 
horseback ; but ditterent modes of riding may be shown by apjiropriate 
modifications of this sign, thus: a slow journey is shown by moving the 
hands sh)wly forward, a race by moving them rapidly, a gallop by mov- 
ing tiiem m a scries of small arcs whose convexity is upward, a jog-trot 
by moving them in a series of small angles with a slight arrest of motion 
between each angle, etc. 

Left hand represents the horse, forefinger held u]) a little from the 
other fingers. Right forefinger and middle finger astride left forefinger ; 
right thumb (-urx-ed upward on left of left forefinger. (Omaha 1.) 

Place the first two fingers of the right hand astride the left hand, and 
move both forward. (Iroquois I.) 

Place the hands as in the sign for Horwe, and move them forward 
in sliort interrupted arched curves. ( Wyandot I.) 

Throw the index and middle fingers of the right hand astraddle the 
forefinger of the left. (Hahapiin I.) 



149 

Place tlie cxteiulcd and s('i);uattMl index and second finjjers of tlie 
right band aeross tlie extended forefinger of tlie left, back of the hand 
forward. {Pdi-Ute I.) 

The index and second linger of the right hand alone extended and 
separated, placed astraddle the extended forelinger of the left, tin; 
palm of the right hand facing the bade of the lett hand. [Aparlie 1.) 

Hot, Hot weather. (Conii>are Heat.) 

Hands at the height of the head or sometimes over it, horizontal, Hat, 
with fingers and thnmbs extended, sejiarated, pointing toward the front, 
palm of hands down (W), make a slight tremiilons motion with the 
fingers, withont moving the hand. Sign is also often made with the 
extended fingers pointing toward each other. {Dakota 1.) "Glimmer 
dnring hot weather. Reflection and refraction through the atmos])here 
often seen during hot weather." 

Hour, Time of day. (Compare Dny.) 

To indicate any particular time of day, the liaiid with the sign of tlie 
sun is stretched out toward the eastern horizon, and then gradually 
elevated until it arrives in the pro^xn- direction to indicate the [)art of 
the heavens in which the sun will be at the given time. (Loiuj.) 

Forefinger of right hand, croojvcd as in sign fur Tloriiiii;;', made to 
describe an arc over the head from east to west, being stoi(i)cd at any 
point in the arc according to the time of morning or evening. {Chey- 
enne 1.) 

Indicate the spot at wiiieli the sun stood \\ lien the event to wliieh 
they are alluding occurred. Point fixedly to tiiat jioiut and hold the 
arm in that jxisition for several moments. {Ojihien I.) 

Curve the index of the closed right iiaiid in the form of a half circle; 
move it tVoin the eastern horizon, following the course of the sun, and 
allowing it to rest at the position occapied liy tliat body at the time to 
be indicated. (Dakota V.) 

The sign for Klin being made, the hand is held in the direction of 
the place which the sun would occupy at the time to be iiidi(Mted, or the 
hand is made to describe an arc corresponding to the course of the sun 
during the lai>se of time referred to. Thus the forenoon is shown by 
stretching the hand (in position of sign for mm) toward the horizon, and 
then slowly sweeping it up toward the zenith ; the afternoon is shown 
by a reverse motion ; noon, by holding the hand toward the zenith. 
(Hidatsa I.) 

Brnf-inute natural signs. — Indicated by striking the air with the fore- 
finger, signifying the stroke of the clock. {liallard.) 



150 

Move the forefinger in a circle, indicating the motion of the minute- 
hand, and then indicate the number of hours. (Hasenstah.) 

Hou><e. (Compare l.odg'e.) 

The hand half open and the forefinger extended and separated ; then 
raise the hand upward and give it a half turn, as if screwing some- 
thing. {Dunbar.) 

Partly fold the hands, the fingers extended in imitation of the corner 
of an ordinary log-house. {Arapaho I.) 

Both hands outspread near each other, elevated to front of face ; sud- 
denly separated, turned at right angles, palms lacing; brought down at 
right angles, suddenly stopped. Representing square form of a house. 
{Cheyenne I.) 

The fingers of both hands extended and slightly separated, then those 
of the right are placed into the several spaces between those of the left, 
the tips extending to about the first joints. {AJmaroha I.) " From the 
arrangement of the logs in a log building." 

Cross the ends of the extended fingers of the two hands, the hands to 
be nearly at right angle, radial side up, palms inward, thumbs in palms. 
{Dal'ota IV.) " Represents the logs at the end of a log-house." 

Both hands extended, fingers spread, place those of the right into the 
si)aces between those of the left, then move the hands in this position a 
short distance upward. ( Wyandot I.) "Arrangement of logs and ele- 
vation." 

Both hands are held edgewise before the body, palms facing, spread 
the fingers, and jilace those of one hand into the sj)aces between those 
of the left, so that the tips of each protrude about an inch beyond. 
{Hidatml; Kaion-al; Arikarnl; Comanche III; Apache II; Wichita 
II.) "The arrangement of logs in a frontier house." Inordinary con- 
versation the sign for white man\<i house is often dropped, using instead the 
generic term employed for lodye, and this in turn is often abbreviated, 
as by the Kaiowas, Comanches, Wichitas, and others, by merely placing 
the tips of the extended forefingers together, leaving the other fingers 
and thumbs closed, with the wrists about three or four inches apart. 

Both hands held pointing forward, edges down, fingers extended, and 
slightly separated, then place the fingers of one hand into the spaces 
between the fingers ot the other, allowing the tips of the fingers of either 
hand to protnule as far as the first joint, or near it. {Shoshoni and 
Banak I.) " From the appearance of a corner of a log-house — protruding 
and alternate layers of logs." 

Deaf-mute natural signs. — Draw the outlines of a house in the air. 
{Hallard.) 



151 

Put tbe open liands together toward the face, forming a right angle 
with the arms. {Larson.) 

Going into a. 



Hokl the open left hand a foot or eighteen inches in front of the 
breast, palm downward or backward, fingers pointing toward the light, 
and pass the right hand, palm ni)ward, lingers bent sidewise and 
pointing backward, from before backward underneath it, through a 
curve until near the mouth. Some at the same time move tlie left hand 
a little forward. (Dakota IV.) 

Going out of a. 



Hold the oi)en left hand a foot or eighteen inches in front of the breast, 
])alni downward or backward, lingers pointing toward the right, and 
pass the right with index extended, or all of the lingers extended, and 
pointing forward, about eighteen inchi»s forwanl underneatli tlic h^ft 
through an arc from near the mouth. Some at the same time move the 
left hand toward the l)reast. (Ihtkofa IV.) 

Stone, Fort. 



Strike the back of the right list against the palm of the left hand, 
the left palm backward, the fist upright (iilea of resistance or strength) ; 
then with both hands opened, relaxed, horizontal, and palms back- 
ward, place the ends of the right fingers beh'ud and against the ends 
of the left ; then separate them, and moving them backward, each 
through a semicircle, bring their bases together. {Dakota IV.) "An 
iuclosure." 

Humble or meek. 

Express by bent body, the right hand holding the mouth, or over it, 
the hands also sometimes blackened. {Ojihica IV.) 

First make the sign for Poor, in propertv, and then the ex- 
tended forefinger of both hands (others closed), pointing upright (J), 
with backs inward, are carried straight outward from about a foot in 
front of their respective eyes as far as the arms can be extended. {Da- 
kota I.) "Closely related to poor hi property ; and possibly means not 
seeing anything belonging to the person." 

Hiin^^ry. 

A sawing of the breast. {Macgoican.) 

Touch the epigastrium with the forefinger of the right hand, and 
then opening the mouth point down the throat with the same finger. 
{Dakota II.) "The first motion Indicates the emptiness of the stomach 
and the second the mode of remedying it." 



152 

The arm is flextnl at tlio elbow, the hand cDllet^ted into sliai)e of a 
spoon, fingers and tlinnil)s approximated and forming; a holhnv in the 
hand, not closed at in)ints. With the palm u]), the hand is t-hen drawn 
edgewise across the epigastrium twiee. (Oto I.) "Am empty or ex- 
hansted." 

Another: The arm is Hexed and the hand brought to the pit of 
stomach, as iii position (W 1), modified by being horizontal and the back 
concave outward. The hand is then i)assed semicircularly downward 
and outward from the abdomen. (Oto I.) '• Iludowed out or empty." 

Pass the outer edge of the flat right hand aeros.s the epigastrium 
with a sawing motion. [Kaioira I; Comanche III ; Apache II; Wichita 
II.) "The craving of an empty stomach." 

Both hands placed near together in from of stomach, fingers pointing 
toward the body, then eacli hand quickly jerked aside as though tearing 
something apart. {Sahaptin I.) 

Place the flat riylit hand transversely to the pit of tlie stomach accom- 
panied iiy an exjucssiou of weariness. {Apache I.) 

Italian sif/n. — Tap the side witli the 0])en hand. {Butler.) 

■Ill III in;;' or Nearcliiii^ for. 

The forefinger is brought near the eye and placed in the attitude of 
pointing; it is then wagged from side to side, the eye following its 
devious motion, and seenung to look in the direction indicated. Some- 
times the hand is extended far before the eye, and the same motion is 
given to the finger. {Ldikj.) 

Right forefinger extended (others closed) (M), is carried outward 
from the right eye, with considerable up-and down and right-and-left 
movements, as though searcihing for something lost, the eyes following 
the course of the finger. {Dakota I.) " From the act of hunting or 
searching for anything." 

With the index (or index and second fingers separated) only extended, 
place the hand nearly at arm's length before the face, the finger point- 
ing slightly above the horizon; move it from side to side, with the eyes 
intently following the movement. (Dalota VII; Ute I.) 

The hand is held as m the sign for See, and is then moved forward 
•with a laterally zigzag motion. {Eidatm 1.) 

With the right hand extended at arm's length, palm down, fingers 
pointing to the front and slightly above the horizon, move it horizontally 
from side to side, allowing the eyes to follow the motion, with an expres- 
sion of inijuiry. {Apache I.) 



153 

Dea/-7)iute natural xujnu. — Knit tlie eyebrows and move tin; lieail in 
ditfeieut direction.s, bending- tlie eye ujjon vaeaney. {liallard.) 

IJiing- yuur head forward a little and eliange yoni- look, sliowing that 
you arc looking around Un- something not yet found. {Vro.s.s.) 

Another: Having toiiehed the eyeliii, move horizontally the finger, 
with an e.\j)ression of hunting for sjnicthing. {('rons.) 

I'hu'e the forefinger on the eye; at the same time incline tlie head 
as if hunting for something. {Zciylfr.) 

For game. 



Same as the sign liiiiitiii;;' tor. This is a geni'ral sign, and if 
hunting for a jtartieular kind of game it must be specified by its proper 
sign, as deer, antdope, buffalo, etc. [Dakota \.) "From the act of seek- 
ing, searchiug." 

Hurry. 

Close tlie right-hand, index extended and elevated, i>ointing upward. 
back of liaud forward, and beckon l>y drawing the hand toward the 
body several times excitedly. (Omaha I.) 

Place the hands, palm>; up, near the stomach and in tiont of it, then 
make an up-and-down motion as if tossing a large light body a short 
distance. {Kaiowu I; Comanche III; Apache II; Wichita II.) ''Evi- 
dently from the movement of the stomach sometimes exi)erieneed when 

running.'' 

lliiMbaiid. (Compare C'oiii|>a»ioii: Same: ^Tlarricd.) 

The two foretiugers are extended and placed together with their 
backs uinvard. This sign is also used for Companion. (Lon<i.) 

;\lake the sign in front of the privates for TIail, and then move the 
right fist, back outward, forward a foot or eighteen inches from six 
inches in front of the navel. (Dakota \\ .) " .Man I lia\'e." 

And Wife. 



The same sign frequently used for both: Lay the two forefingers 
together, side by side, straight ami pointing forward, the other fingers 
loosely closed. {Dakota IV.) "Two Joined as one." 

Or Wife. 



Extend the forefingers of each hand and bring them together side by 
side iu front of the breast and a foot therefrom. (Comanche 1.) 

I, iiie. iii>>ieir. 

The fingers of the right hand laid against the breast. (Dunbar.) 
20 



154 

The clinched haiul struck geutly, and with a quick motion, two or 
three times upon the breast. Or, the tingers brought together are 
pLaced perpendicularly upon the breast. [Long.) 

Touch the nose-tip, or otherwise indicate self witli the index, (liiir- 
ton.) 
Touch or otherwise indicate one's self. [Arapaho I.) 

Eight-hand; fingers drooping, forefinger separated from the others, 
gently touched once or tw'we to the right breast. {Chencinw I.) 

The fingers of the right hand are collected to a point, the thumb 
lying against the palms of the fingers, then bring the hand, pointing 
upward, slowly toward tlie breast. Also used to express io me. {Abxa- 
ro]:a I; iShosluini (Oid Baiuil; I.) 

Kiglit liaiid (!•» 1) thumb and fingers extended horizontal, back out- 
ward, tapi)ing tlie left breast. When the gesturer desires to be very 
emphatic, the clinched right hand is struck rep<'atedly against the riglit 
breast. {Balofa \.) (Conqiare Heart, JMA-ofw i.) 

Touch the end of the nose witli the radial side of the right forefinger, 
the forefinger pointing ujiward. {Ikiloia IV.) 

Place the extended index against the middle or upiier portion of tlie 
breast. {Dakota VII.) 

Touch the middle of the breast with the index. (Hidatm I ; Arllcaru 1.) 

Strike the left breast with index-finger of right hand, the otlier 
fingers being closed. {OiikiIki I.) 

With the right hand arched, so that the thumb rests along the side of 
the index, place the inner side of the hand against the breast, with the 
fingers pointing downward. (Kaioa-a I; Comanche III; Apache II; 
Wichita II.) 

Another: I'lace the index or the ends of the extended fingers against 
the breast. {Kaiou-al; Co7nanche III; Apache II ; Wichita 11.) 

riace the index n])on the breast rather quickly. If this gesture is 
made slowly, and when in connection with other signs of a narrative, 
or preceding the expression of want, or desire, it exjiresses to me. {Pai- 
Ute I.) 

Sweej) the hand up the body and raise the right forefinger up with 
\ igor Just befoie face. I Apache III.) 

Deaf-mute natural signs. — Indicated by pointing to one's self — to the 
person speaking. (Ballard.) 



155 

Eest till' tip of tlie forefinger upon the l)rpastbone, and at the same 
time nod the head. {Ihtsenstub.) 

Put the ii,i;iit forefinger on tlie l)rea.st. (Zrifilrr.) 

Some deaf-mutes push tlie forelinger against tlie pit of the stomach, 
others against the breast, and others point it to the neck for this per- 
sonality. 

Objective. 



With the tingers jilaced closely together at tlie tijis, the thumb resting 
alongside of the index, bring the hand, i>oiiiting upward, slowly to and 
against the middle of the breast. {Kaiaira I; Comnitehe III: Apache II ; 
Wichita II.) 

Ice. 

Begin with the sign of ^Vater, tiieii of Cold, then of l<:ai*tli, 
and lastly a Stoiio, with the sign of Naiiiciit'Mw or Siiiiilai'ily. 

(Du)tbar.) 

Same as the sign for 8toiie. {Dah>ta I.) '-A hard substance." 

Ignorant. 

Tap the forehead with the slightly-curved index:, followed by the sign 
for lAe. (Apache I.) 

III. See JSioK. 

Imprecation. 

Italian ni;/)/. — The foietinger turned down is a motion of a girl at 
Thrasymeiie, who was refused alms, as she cried va a T iiifcnii). ( Butler.) 

Iniprguient— RaKli. 

Shade the eyes with left hand, relaxed (IT i)alm inward), right hand 
in trout of breast, foretluger straight upright (J jialm outward); mo\e 
forward, making three or four short stop.s in the movement to represent 
the motion of a person walking. This is the general description ; if re- 
referring to rash chare/e in battle, the .sign with left hand is tirst made, 
then sign for ehanje is made with both. {Chei/eniie II.) " Going blindly, 
without looking." 

Place the tips of the extended forefingers to the temples, then throw 
the hands outward aud downward. {Wyandot I). "Xo judgment — 

literally.'" 

In, "(Vitliin. 

Forefinger and thuml) of the left hand are held in the form of a semi- 
ciicle, opening toward and near the breast, and the right forefinger, 
representing the jirisoner, is placed ui)right within the curve, aud passed 



156 

from one side to another, in order to show that it is not permitted to pass 
out. Tliis is the sign for Pri<*oiier, as given in " Introduction to the 
study of sign-language," etc. This sign is tlie one made by tlie 8ioux 
for In, Within, and also to indicate rriKoner,hut when so used the seiui- 
(urcle would be continued to a circle after passing the finger within 
it. This sign, however, is not limited to Prisoner. {Dal-ota I.) 

The left-hand tingeis e.xteuded side by side, the thumb facing but an 
inch or two from them, pointing toward the right (forming a U held 
sidewise); the bent index is then imshed ])artly into the si)ace between 
the thumb aii<l fingers of tlie left. (Apavlw I.) 

Indecifiioii, Doubt. (( <>iii|>ar(- <)iiexitioii, and Know, 1 

(loirt.) 

The index and middle finger exteudeil diverged, place them trans- 
versely before the situation of the heart, and rotate the wrist two or 
three times gently, forming each tinu^ a quaiter of a circle. (Lonf/.) 
" ]More than one heart for a iiui'itose." 

Combine the signs of Alfiriiiative and ilTegative, /. c, Yes — Xo. 

{Arapaho I.) 

The right hand brought to the icgion over the heart, with the first two 
fingers extended, pointing obli((iiely downward toward the left, thumb 
resting on third finger, which with tlie fourth is closed, back of hand 
outward, make several quit^k tremulous motions, then extend the thumb 
and fingers, ami cairy the hand out in front of the right side of body, 
turning the hand so that it is brought, horizontal, tlat, palm upward 
(X), extending the forearm from the elbow oidy. (T)ah>ta I.) 

The right index extended, back u]nvard, i)ointiug toward the left, in 
front of the left breast, the other fingers half closed, thumb on middle 
finger; move the hand thnmgh an arc forward and toward the right 
until it is in front of the right breast. (Dnlnfn IV.) "Going around, 
therefore not certain." 

Make the sign lor Have, and then, with its back upward, fingers 
separated a little, slightly flexed, and pointing forward, rotate the right 
hand to the right and left, describing an arc upward (to imply doubt.) 
{Dakota IV.) •' Perhaps 1 will get it, or have it." 

Index and second fingers straight and separated, remaining fingers 
and thumb clo.sed, place the tips near the legion of the heart, pointing 
to the left ; nu)ve to and from the henrt repeatedly as if puncturing it, 
at each thrust rotating the hand slightly so that the position of the fin- 
gers will be similar at each alternate movement. {Kaiowa I ; Comanche 
III; Apache U; Wichita II.) 



157 



Perplexity. 



Itiilid)! .sit/ii. — Open liaiiil sliakcii licfoic tlif r()r<'li(';i(l as it an auitation 
dl' tlic liiaiii. (Bullcr.) 

Doiilit. 



ItuUan sign. — Both lianils w itii tiiijicis a])art and jialnis forward, raised 
by tlie head. (Butler.) 

Iiiiliaii A^^enev. 

First nuil^e the sij^ii lor Wliifc mail, and tlicn the sign (rMc, 

then desis'initetlie particular aj;('ncy (see local names in " Proper Names, 
Phrases, etc.") by its pro])er si<.>n, ii' desirinj;' to be specific. [Dakota 
I.) "The ])lace where goveriinicnl inovisions arc issued, and the white 
man who issues tliem." 

I lulidVi't'ilfe. None of my business. 

Itdliiin ,siii)iK. — Both liands held down by the thighs.' {Biitley.) 

Tiie hand waved under the chin. (Hiillcr.) 
Iiidi;:eiit. Sec Poor. 
IllfVllll. Sec (liiid. 
Iii«|iiir>. See i|i9e<«lioii. 

II if* xiO. See Yen. 
.loiiriiey. See Ciioiii;;'. 
livitlv. 

Same sign as for Viilas't'. ''"f ''^ made closer to the earth. ( Wied.) 
The contiguration of a common kettle (the utensil obtained from the 
whites in trade being, of course, the one referred to) is the same as that 
of the stockaded villages of the Mandans and ni<latsa,the intervals left 
between the hands representing in this case the interruption in the 
circle made by the hamlles. The ditfeientiation is effected by the posi- 
tion closer (o the earth. 

First make the sign for Firt', and then i)lacetlie lingers and thumbs 
of both hands together in front of the breast so as to describe a circle 
looking downward, and then move the hands still held in this position 
as though putting a kettle over the lire, {nakotal.) "From one of 
the uses to which they put a kettle." 

:Make the sign for KaliilS, ii""! "i''ii nuike a circle by holding the 
ends of the partly bent forelingers and thumbs near together, the jialms 
of the hands inward [Dal-ota IV.) 

Kill, Killing. (Compan Knife, lo kill with.) 

The hands are held with the t'dge upward, and the right hand strikes 
the other transversely, as in the act of chopping. This sign seems to be 



158 

more ])aiticiilarly applicable to convey the idea of death produced by 
a blow of the tomahawk or war-clnb. {Lung.) 

Clinch the hand and strike from above downward. ( Wied.) I do not 
remember this. I have given yon the sign for killing with a stroke. 
(Matthews.) There is an evident similarity in conception and execntion 
between the {0(o and MisHourl I) sign audir/erf's. {Boteler.) This mo- 
tion, which may be inoi-e clearly exjjressed as the downward thrust of a 
knife held in the clinclied hand, is still nscd by many tribes for the gen- 
eral idea of " kill," and illustrates the anticpiity of the knife as a weapon. 
The actual employment of arrow, gun, or club in taking life, is, however, 
often specified by api)ropriate gesture. 

Smite the sinister palm earthward with the dexter fist sharply, in 
sign of "Going down"; or strike out with the dexter tist toward the 
ground, meaning to "shut down; "or ])ass the dexter under the left fore- 
finger, meaning to "go under." (Burton.) 

liight hand cast down. (MtiKjinran.) 

Right hand clincdied, thumb lying along finger tips, elevated to near 
the shoulder, strike downward and outward vaguely in the direction of 
the object to be killed. The abstract sign for Kill is simi)ly to clinch 
the right hand in the manner described and strike it down and out from 
the right side. {Cheyenne I.) 

Both hands clinched, with the thumbs resting against the noddle joints 
of the forefingers, hold the left transversely in front of aiul as high as the 
breast, then push the right, palm down, quickly over and down in front 
of the left. (Ahmrohn I; Sho.shonl and Banal; I.) "To force under — 
literally." 

AVitli the dexter fist brought in front of the body at the right side, 
strike downward and outward, with back of hand upward, thumb to- 
ward the left, several times. (Dakota I.) "Strike down." 

With the first and .second joints of the fingers of the right hand bent, 
end of thumb against the middle of the index, i)alm downward, mo^e 
the hand energetically forward and downward from a foot in front of 
the right breast. {Dakota IV.) "Striking with a stone" — man's first 
weapon. 

Hold the right fist palm down, knuckles forward, and make a thrust 
forward and downward. (Dakota VI, VII; Midatsa I; Arikara I.) 

The left hand, thumb up, back forward, not very signally extended, 
is held before the chest and struck in the palm with the outer edge of 
the right hand. (Mandan and Hidatm I.) "To kill with a blow ; to 
deal the deathblow." 



159 

lliglit Irniid, (iuj;t'r.s ()()cii hut slightly (■iirved, i)aliii ti) tlic left ; move 
dowinvard, deKciibing a curve. [Omnhu I.) 

Anotlior: Siniihir to the last, hut the indcx-tingcr is extended, point- 
ing in front of you, ilie otliei' linger Imt iialt' ojien. (()m<ilin I.) 

Another: Close the right iiiuid, extending the forefinger alone; jioint 
toward the bi'east, then tlirow fi'oin yon forward, bringing the hand to- 
ward the ground. (Omuhn 1.) 

lioth liands, in i)ositi()ns (AA.), «ith arms semiilexcd toward the 
hody, make the forward rotary sign for Fii^iiliiliU' or ICaHle: the 
right hand is then raised from the left outward, as elutehing a knife 
with the blade jjointing downward and inward toward the lel't list; 
tlie left fist lieiiig held in situ, is striu-k now by the right, edgt'wise as 
above described, and l)otli snddenl> fall together. [Oto and Missoxri 
I.) "To strike down in battle with a knife. Indians seldom disagree 
or Idll another in times ot' tribal |)eace." 

I'hlce tlie fiat right iiaiid, ]ialm ilow ii, at arm's lengtii to the rigid, 
bring it quielily, horizontally, to the side of the head, then malce the 
sign for Dead. ( Wi/muhit 1.) "To strike with a club, dead." 

Dcdf-iiiiitc ii(i/)(f((l xifpis. — .Strike a blow in the air with the clincheil 
list, and then incline the head to one side, and lower the oi)i'n hand. 
(B((Uar(l.) 

Strike the other hand with the fist, or iioint a gun, and, having shot, 
suddi^nly point to your breast with the finger, and hold your head side- 
wise on the liand. ( ( 're.s-.s-. ) 

I'se the closed hand as if to strike, and then move bac'k the head with 
the eyes shut and the inonfli o|)ened. {{[(tsriistah.) 

I'ut the head down over the breast, and then moxc down the stretched 
hand along the neck. (TAirsoii.) 

In battle. To. 

Make the .sign for Bafllc, Fi;;'iit, tiicii strike the back of the 
lingers of the right hand into the i)alm of the flat and .slightly arched 
palm of the left, immediately afterward throwing the right outward 
and downward toward the right. [Utc \.) "Killed and falling i)ver.'' 

You ; I will kill you. 

Direct the right hand toward the offender and spring the finger from 
the thumb, as in the act of sprinkling water. (Lou;/.) The conception 
is perhaps "causing blood to flow,'' or, i)erhaps, "sputtering away the 
life," though there is a strong siuiilai-ity to the motion used for the (lis- 
charge of a gun or arroiv. 



160 
Kind. See Cwood heart. 

Knife. 

Hold the loft baiul clmdied near the inmttli, as if it held one end of a 
strip of meat, the other end of which was lietween the teeth, then |)ass 
the ed.ye of the ri.nht hand as in the act of cuttinj;- obliquely a little 
npward from ri.uht to left between the other hand and month, so as to 
appear to divide the suii])osed meat. (Lon(j.) 

Cut past the m.aitli witli the raiseil right hand. {Wicd.) 1 have 
given you a different sigH, which is the only one I have ever seen. 
(Muttlu'wu.) Althongli the signs {Oto aiuJ Missoun I, and WierVs) are 
different in their execution as api)lied to local parts, the same coiice[)tion 
pervades each — " something used to sever or separate." ( Bofclcr.) Wied's 
sign probably refers to the general practice of cutting off food, as much 
being crammed into the mouth as can be managed and then separated 
by a stroke of a knife from the remaining mass. This is specially the 
case with fat and entrails, the aboriginal delicacies. 

Cut the sinister palm witli the dexter ferient downward and toward 
one's self: if the cuts be made ui)ward with the i)alm downward, meat 
is understood, {linrton.) 

Right hand, palm outward, little linger representing the edge of a 
knife, diawn downward across [lalm or inside of left hand. {Cheyenne I.) 

Left-hand list (B) held six or eight inches in front of the mouth, 
back outward, as though holding a large piece of meat in the mouth, 
and then the right hand with the back outward, tingers extended, Joined, 
upright (8), is passed from right to left on a curve between the moutli 
and the left hand as though cutting the ineceof meat in two. {Dakota I.) 
",May have conu> from their lirst manner of using the knife in eating." 

Hold the left list, back outward, about eight inches in front of the 
mouth, and move the oi)ened right hand, palm liackward, tingers i)oiut- 
ing obliquely upward toward the left, obliquely ui>ward and downward 
from side to side behind it. {Dakota IV.) " Iloldiug a piece of meat 
with the left hand and the teeth, and cutting a piece off with a knife." 

The left hand, fully opened, with the lingers close together, palm up- 
ward and finger tips to the front, is held before the person. Then the 
right hand, also fully opened and with fingers uot .spread apart, with 
the jialin inward and tlie thumb uitward, is laid trausversely on the 
left palm — the outer edge only touching the left palm. Sometimes the 
right hand is theu drawn away once to the right with a motion repre 
sen ting a cut. {Mandan and Hidatsa I.) 



161 

Tlie left arm is semi-extended, and the left liand. in position (XI), 
modified by Ix- in i;' edge wise iij) and down. The ligiit arm istlien brouglit 
before tlie body, and tlie iiand, in position (X), horizontal, is made to 
exert a earving motion at the knnekle or nietacari)o-])halangeal joints of 
the left hand, whieh is eonclndcd by a scooping or ear\ ing movement. 
(O/o iiikI Missouri I.) ■' That by « liicli we ojn'ii joints ami cnl or carve." 

f ><■<(/'- III Kff iKiliintl sii/iis. — Iniilale tlie act of wiiittliiig with one fore- 
tingeriipon t!ie other. { Ildlhiril.) 

Pass one forelingcr over the other scxcimI times. { llnsi-iisliih.) 

Slcinninu with a. 



The hands are placed as in the sign for KBliCc then llie right hand 
is lield a little obli(|iiel.\ , /'. r.. with forearm semi-pronated, and diawn, 
bnt ne\cr ]aished, across the lefl palm repeatedly, advancing a little 
toward the tingeiends with eacli sirepe. {Mdiiiltni <ni<l lliiliitsa I.) 

Hold till' left closed hand. ])aliii down, a short distance bctore the 
l)ody. and make repeated cuts in front of the knuckles with the tlat teiied 
rijiht hand. (I'dilfc I.) •• i;e]ircsents holding a llap of skin and sepa- 
rating it from the body." 

To kill w ith a. 



Clinch the right hand and stril^e forcihly toward the ground l)el'ore 
the breast from the height of tlie face. [Ttr \.) ••Appear- tn have 
originated when liint knives were still used." 

Kiion. (( ompare 4koo(I : lii(l<'<-i«*ioii : 1 aMh'i>l:ui(l and Vt'!>i.) 

The foretinger of the right hand held ii[i nearly opjiosite to the 
nose, and brought with a half turn to the right and cairied a little out- 
ward. Place any of the articles \sic\ befori' this sign, which will then 
signify, 1 know, yon know, he knows, liotli hands being made use of 
in the manner described implies to know much. {Ihinlxir.) 

Spread the thumb and index-finger of the right hand, sweeji toward 
the lireast, moving them forward and outward, so that the iialm tnrn.s 
u}!. ( Wild.) The right arm is llexcd and raised : the hand is then 
bronght before the birehead between tlie eyes as in position (I 1, 
modified l\v being ]>alm outward and the index more opened); the 
hand and forearm then describe a (puidrant forward and downward. 
There is no conceivable similarity hetween this sign and Wicd's as 
executed and it i.s probable that the conceptions are likewi.se of differ- 
ent source or association. This .same sign is used for Knoirlah/c in an 
abstract seTise. {Jiotele".) "To have in mind or utter from the 
mind." 

21 



162 

The tluiml) and indexfiiiser iiiiule into a ring and passed from the 
mouth. (M((c<iowan.) 

Thuuib, tirst and seeoud fingers of right hand extended (otliers (closed), 
liori/.ontal, backs upward, are carried from the natural position close to 
and iu front of the body as high as the mouth, where the hand is carried 
with a curved motion, tirst upward aud outward, and then downward 
to the level of the stomach, backs of the fingers looking obliquely down- 
ward. {Diih)t(( I.) " I have heard your talk aud know what you say." 

The right index and thund) fully extended ami spread, the otlier fingers 
loosely clos(id, index pointing forward aud a little to the left, l)ack of 
han<l ui)ward ; then supinate the liand. thrown on its back and held 
about a foot in front of the right breast. {Dakota IV.) 

Strike the left breast with the tluniib mid forefinger, keeping the 
other fingers closed. {Omaha 1.) 

Anotiu'r: Curve three fingers of tlie riglit hand, touch tip of middle 
finger with thumb, extend forefinger, and shake hand forward and down. 

{Omaha 1.) 

Another: Same as the preceding, but tiiunib and lingers closed instead 
of ring shajie. {Omaha 1.) 

Anotiier: ('urve three^fingers of the right hand, jilace the tliuud) 
over their middle joints, extend the index, and shake forward aud down- 
ward from the right side of the face. (Omaha I.) 

Spread the index and tliuiub of tlie rigiit hand fully apart, remaining 
fingers closed, palm toward the body, and move the hand forward and 
slightly downward and a little to the riglit from below the chin to a dis- 
tance of eight or ten] inches. {Kaioira I; Coniaiichc III ■. Apache II; 
Wichitn II.) 

Ih-af-mute natural xiijiis. — Tap the forehead sligiitly with the hand. 
{Ballard.) 

Nod and point to tlie forehead. (Croxx.) 

I'ut the open hand to the breast, and at the same time bend down 
the head. {Larxoii.) 

Place the right forefinger on the forehead, at the same time nod the 
head as if to say "yes." {Zcigler.) 

All the ascertained gestures of deaf-mutes relating to intelligence are 
connected with the forehead, on which we, also, rest the forefinger, for 
show of thought. 

I don't know. 



First iilace the fingers in the position for Know ; then turn the right 



163 

hand ii]>\vai(l with spread fliigeis, so that they point ontwanl toward 
the rijiiit side. ( Wied.) 

Is expr&sed l)y waving tlic right liand with the ]ia]ni outward before 
the right lireast, or by moving about the two forefingers before tlie 
breast, meaning "two hearts." (Burton.) 

First make tiie sign for Know, and tlien that tor ITot or \o. 

{Dulota I.) " Do not know wliat you say. Indecision, (h)ul)t.'' 

Makefile sign for I Know"; tluMi tlie sign for I\fo, or wliile tiie 
fingers are in position for I Know tlirow the hand outward as for i\o. 

[Ddl-ota IV.) 

Tlie right arm is elevated and (he hand, in type-position (I-'), is 
twisted several times before the chest, then suddenly everted and ex- 
panded (Oto (tiiil Missouri I.) " Xot sciewed uj) or [losted unaware." 

Make the sign for Know, lo, and throw the hand to the right as 
in ]\o, .\ol. (KaioH-al; Comaiirlie III : Apachf II; Wichita II.) 

Dcuf-nuitc naturid signs. — Point to the bosom, nieaniiig the s[)caker, 
place the hand upon the forehead and then move the hand away. 
[Biilhird.) 

Ilaving put the finger to your breast, jioint to the forehead, shaking 
your head. ( Cross.) 

Put the stretched hand to the breast, and at the same time shake the 
head. (Larson.) 

Place the right forefinger on the forehead, at the same time shake tlri 
head as if to say No. (Zei(jier.) 

I don't know you. 

Move the raised hand, with tue palm in front, slowly to the right and 
leit. (Burton.) 

Lake, Pond. 

Make the sign of lli'inkilli;', and form a basin with both hands. 
If a large body of water is in (]uestion, wave both palms outward as in 
denoting a plain. (Burton.) 

. Sign for AValer followed by sign for Bi^' in the sense of Broad, 
Wide. For Pond, make sign for Lake and Littli'. (Clu-i/cnne I.) 

First make the sign for Water, and then the sign for Bi^ in the 
sense ot Flat. {Dalcota I.) " Water spread out or level — not running 
water." 



164 

]\rak(> tilt' .sign for Water, then spread and slightly Hex the tliiirabs 
and loiefiii;;ers, and hold the hands, palms inwar<l, near together or far 
apart, aceordin<;- to the si/.e of the lake referred to. {I><d-ot<( I,V.) 

After Hiakiny the s\gi\ for Wafer, indicate a circle, by extending 
the hands horizontally, allowinj'- the tips of the forelinger and thnnib of 
one hand to Join those of tiie other. A larger circle is made to indicate 
a large lake by making two horizontal semicircular air lines with the 
hands, the termini of the lines Joining. {!<h<»<li<>iii ami lUiunl; I.) 

J>ct(/-iiii(te naturid xi;ins. — Make a circle with the forehnger, and imi- 
tate the act of di'iidcing to signify 'Wafer. (Bidlard.) 

Partly open your nioiitli with the head held back, jilace the fingers — 
ai'ranged in su<-li a manner that the hand looks like a cup — to it, and 
then suddeidy move the hand horizontally along a line describing an 
ellipse, (r/'o.v.v.) 

Lame. 

Itight-hand list (O, turned downward) in front of the body ; make the 
forward arche(l movements in imitation of the walk of a lame per.son. 
{J>iil(ita I.) "From a hunc jxTson's manner of walking." 

Liaiiee. or Spear. 

Ls shown by an imitation of darting it. {Binioii.) 

Hands elevated and closed as though grasping the shaft of a lance, 
left hand before riglit, sudden motion made from the left shoulder 
diagonally forward (hands being carefully retained in their relative 
jjositions). {(Jhci/ciinc 1.) 

Right hand extended in front on a level with the shouliler, as though 
holding a si>ear or lance in positiontou.se it. (Dakota 1.) •' From the 
throwing of a spear." 

(1) Point to tent-pole; (2) cut otf left loretiuger, with right index; (3) 
rub it with the latter toward its tii» ; (-1) i)lace tip of right at base of left 
index ; (5) thrust both forward. {Apache III.) " (1) Shaft- (2) head ; (3) 
sharpens it to i)oint ; (4) adjusted head to shaft; (5) put it in service." 

I.<ar;i'e. See Great and Big:, i'l sense of Large. 

ljaii;;li. To. Laughter. 

I'lace the hands as in Heavy, but forward from each side of the 
lower jaw, then move them up and down a short distance rapidly, the 
face expressing a smile. (Kniowa 1; Vomanvhe 111 ; Apache 11; Wich- 
ita II.) 



165 

£<azy. 

L;iy the avcluMl risht Iciiiil (H) im tlic iiiiddk' of the h|)|iit left arm 
partially extended in trout of the hody, liack of hand upward, and in the 
.same manner lay the left hand on the ri.i^iit arm, and then carry both 
hands upward on their res|)eetive sides in front to the level of the face. 
where both index-fingers are extended and point upright (,|), from 
whence they are carried sh)wly downward in front oT the body to the 
level of the stomach. (Dalcota 1.) '• Lazy : no good with the, arms and 
hands." 

l>ei(f-inutr Hdfnral sif/ii. — FTaving extended your cheeks, shake your 
head, implying no, and then comi)res.s tlieiu with the hands. (C'ro.vs.) 

« 

l.it':iii. See Poor. 

I^eavo!"* (of trees). 

The sign for Tree must be maile first, and in tiiis case with the Icit 
hand. Beginning from low down on left side, with fingers and thumb 
sei)arated, jiointed upward (P), move the hand u])ward till it reaches a 
little al)ove the head: this is the tree. Itiglit hand in jjosition (dJ) is 
brought to touch the ditferent lingers of the left (which are the l>ranches) ; 
forelinger and thumb describe the leaf, and is made larger to (h'scribe 
different kinds by ])arting tlie tlinml) and linger more or less. The sign 
for Tree alone is generally made with the light hand, {('hfi/niiir 11.) 

Make a tree and its branches, and then witli the thumb and forefin- 
ger of the right hanil describe a seniicirch^ with the free ends of the 
thumb and finger turned downward in front of the body. [l)nl:iif(i 1.) 
'Tn resemblance ol the drooping lea\'es of a tree." 

Arms are extended from body like limbs of a tree. The right hand, 
in position (\'^),i.s then brought to left in position (S) modified by bcin., 
horizontal edgewise. From the left, arm and hand still exteTuled, the 
right drops successively to the ground. Autumn is re]>resented by this 
sign, following the sign for ^iiii. (Oto 1.) •'.Something that drops from 
siireading limbs and the time for such." 

On trees. 



Same motion of right hand as in Tree, with the left hand and arm 
in front above head, looking up, spread the fingers which were bent 
downward. Thnmb.s nearly touching, .shake both hands sidewi.se and 
np and down quickly in imitation of aspen-leaf motion. When the tree 
is near, i)oint in both ca.ses to the tree or trees with the finger. [Ojih- 
im IV.) 

Ijetl-liaiided. 

The left hand clinched is held before the neck; the elbow is then 
brought in to the side, at the same time giving to the forearm a twist, 
so as to bring the closed palm opposite the l)reast. {Lony.) 



166 

Simply point to the left band with the extended forefinger of the 
right. {Dakota i.) 

Se])anite the thumb and index-linger of each hand, and draw them 
upward ah)ng lioth legs. {Wind.) I have described his sign in essen- 
tially the same terms; l)ut as for the sign for Coat, I say the fingers 
are closed. The same remarks ajiply in one case as in the other. (Mat- 
flii'wu.) Notwithstanding the indertinte and inexjilicit manner in wliieli 
ir/«r.v sign is exi)ressed, there is evident siu)ilarity to that of (Oto and 
Missouri I), both in conception and movement. (Botckr.) 

The ti"]) of tlie tlnuub of each liaiid is opposed to the tip of one or 
more of its eoriesponding fingers, as if they grasped something lightly. 
The hands are then held a few inches apart on the anterior aspect of 
one of the thighs as low down as they can reach without bending tlie 
botly (the finger-tips nearly or (juite touching the limb), and are then 
simultaneously drawn rai)idly ui)ward to the waist to represent the 
motion as if drawing on a legging. The motion may be I'epeated on the 
O])posite limb. (Maudan and Hidatsa 1.) 

The body is bent forward and tlie limbs fiexed upward and adducted. 
Both liands, with the backs arched u])ward and the thumb points in 
contact, seemingly encircle the leg at the ankle, and are drawn toward 
the body over each leg severally, as in drawing the above article on. 
{Oto and Missouri I.) " Tiiat wiiich is drawn over the legs." 

Ijet al»ii('. 

Eight-hand jialm down, arm l>ent at elbow, move downward by 
degrees as low as the knees. {Omaha I.) 

Lie, FnUeliood. 

The forefinger and middle fingers extended, passed two or three times 
from the mouth forward. They are joined at the mouth, but separate as 
they depart from it, indicating that the words go in diiferent directions. 

{Lon;/.) 

Pass the second and third finger of the right hand toward the left 
side in front of the month. ( Wied.) My ddseriptiou is much to the 
same effect, but I a(hl that the hand is moved forward. {Matthews.} 
Though tlii^ descri])tion of Wied's sign is condensed, there is an evident 
similarity in the execution and conce])tion of this with {Oto 1.) {Boteler.) 
The author means the index and middle finger as appears from other 
parts of his list. lie counts the thumb as the first finger. — [Ed. 

Extend the two first fingers from the mouth. (Burton.) "Double 
tongue — a significant gesture." 



167 

Piiss tilt' liaiid from iij;lit to left closo by and across the moutli, witli 
tlic first two tiii<;ers of the hand openeil, tlnimb and other tinj^ers 

closed. (Ihxhif.) 

Thrust the fore and middle tiiii;er, extended and separated, from the 
mouth. Literally " the forked toiii;ue." (Ai-niiiilin I.) 

KiS'ht hand fore and middle fingers [ilaeecl on a le\el with the base 
of the ehin, first kniiekle against or near tlie mouth: thrnst forward 
and to the hd't. (Chci/cnuc 1.) •' Speak double, witli two tongues."' 

If the two forelingers are jiarted and nio\ed from llie month, like tlie 
split tongue of a suake. it signifies l\ ing. This sign is adoiite(l in the 
sign language of all tlie Indians, as well as the figure from which it is 
deri\ed. {Ojihira I.) "Speak with the forked tongue, /. c, lie." 

Fore and second fingers ot the right hand extended and forked i K 1, 
with tliumb resting lui third tiiiger) passed from right to left directly in 
front of the mouth. {Ihikiita I.) " I )ouble-toligned." 

Place the right liaml, jialm inward ( toward the left), just in frotit of 
themontli; strongly extend the index : also extend the middle finger, but 
bend it toward the palm until it is at an angle of 4.")-' with the index; 
hall close the ring and little fingers, thumb against ring finger: move 
the lianil straight forward about eight inches; or, having placed the 
hand with its back forward, mo\'e the hand to the left. {I>a]wf<( IV.) 
'• Two tongues.'" 

Touch the region of the heart with the light I, ami, then close the 
luind, extend the first two fingers, passing them from the mouth tor- 
ward. ( Dakiitd y.) 

Spread the extended index and second linger of the right hand, and 
pass them, palm toward the body, ipiickl.x by and ]iast the mouth to the 
left. (Uiikota VI. VII.) 

Closethe right hand, leaving theindex and second fingers extended and 
separated; then pass them liefore the breast from right to left, the 
fingers pointing in that direction and the |ialm toward the body. 
{Ilidatud 1; Aril.ani I.) 

The sign i.s like that for True, excejit that both the middle and 
index fingers nn' extended, and these are held together while the hand 
i.s at the mouth, but they diverge as the hand moves forward. {Mfoaia)!. 
and HuJatsa I.) 

The arm is Hexed and elevated to a level with the mouth. The hand 
is in position (^ 1), modihed by being horizontal instead of vertical, 
with palm toward the face and first two fingers separated. From incep- 



168 

tion of .sif>n at riji'ht side of face the hand is thrust from right to left 
across the iiiouth. It is tiieu repeate<l with other liaiid identically the 
sanie./V-owi opposUe side of mouth. Sometimes both index-lingers are used 
from corners of month, jialiii outward, and made to thus diverge as tliey 
recede. {Oto I.) '•Dui)licity or double-tongaed." 

Make the sign for Talk, then throw the right tist outward and 
downward toward the right side, and snap the fingers from the thumb, 
as ill Bad. [Wi/andot I.) "Talk, bad." 

After pointing at jterson addressed, the hand is placed in front of 
mouth, \y.\,k toward mouth and fingers projecting forward (P 1, with 
knuckles uitward). Tlicn with (juick motions mo\f hand tw(j or three 
times to a i>oint six or eight inches from mouth, as though casting some- 
thing from the mouth. Then move hand to side of month, the two 
first fingers only extended and slightly separated (.\ 1. changed to hori- 
zontal position and thumb obli(|uely extended), and past the mouth to a 
jioint on the left. {Saliapfin I.) ''Words double-tongued." 

Pass the right haiul to the left close by and across the mouth, with 
the first two fingers of the hand opened, thumb and other fingers closed. 
(PaiUtel.) 

AMth the third and fourth fingers of the right iiand closed, resting 
tlie tips uf the first two fingers against the ball of the tliumb, jjlace the 
hand in front of the chin or month, and while moving it diagonally 
forward and to the left let the fingers siuip forward from the thumb; 
repeat this two or three times. (Ute I.) •' Double-tongued." 

Another: Uold the index, pointing upward, in front of the mouth, 
and mo\e it icpeatedly and alternafely obli(|uely forward toward the 
right anil left. The index and second finger extended and sep irated, 
are sometimes used to represent extraordinary lying. {Ute I.) "Talk 
two ways." 

Sign as for Tl'lllli, but make the motion oblicpiely and alternately 
toward the left and right. {Aiiachc I.) 

Kun the index from each corner of the mouth. {Zmli I.) 

Deaf mutes gesture Tntfh by moving one finger straight from the 
lips, "straight-forward speaking," but distinguish Lie hy moving the 
finger to one side, "sideways speaking." 

I.iie don II. 

Point to the ground, and make a inotiou as if lying down. (Burton.) 

The sign for 8lee|>, the eyes remaining open. (Ara2)aho I.) 



IGD 

Only ditfeis from tlie si<>ii for Sleep in incilininfj tlic liead and arms 
sidewitse (to the rij;lit) toward the ground, with elbow out as thouyU 
used as a sm)port. {Dnkota 1.) 

^Vave the hands low down, i)alnis up (X), iiorizontally and hitrrally; 
Sleep. {AiMche III.) "Suital)le [dace to lie upon." 

lh'<if-mute nittiiral .s(V//i. — IMaee the liand upon tlie clit'ck, incline the 
head to one side, and then lower the hand. [iUilUinL) 

I'lat where you are. 

Like lloiVll and Alone, l>ut tlic arm is exten(le(l in the direction of 
the i)arty addressed, with palm down, ;ind moveil di)wnw:n<l scxcrid 
times. (Omaht I.) 

Life, Bviviii;;. 

Kiuht-haiid foreliu;;er straight upri,i;ht, others closed (J), is slowly 
raiseil up in front of the right side elose to the body, as high above the 
head as the arm eau be extended. (Dakota 1.) " Kaiscd up; connng 
up ; growing also." 

I.<i;;'lit, llayli^iit. ((A)mpa.re Clear.) 

.Make the sign of the sun in the eastern iiori/,on, and then extend tlie 
hands together, with the ])alm u])ward, and t-arry them from each other 
outwai-d. [Tjoufi.) 

l>ayli;iiil is eiiuivalent to Siiiiriwe. !^ee also GlaK^n. (Dahntn I.) 

The left arm is exteuded from left side of the body with the hand 
iu ty])e ])osition (1 1) modified by the index being a little more extended. 
Iti this manner the left hand indicates the rising sun. The hands ii'-e 
now approximated at fingers, jialms before the face, and gradually di- 
verge, as do hanging curtains. Tlie hands are held with the edges in- 
ward aiul outward. [Oto and ^[i^!S(>l(n' I.) "That which accompanies 
the sun; the curtains of night being unfolded." 

DK(f iiuilc iKitiiral .s7V/». — Move the outstretched liamls apart from each 
other. {Lari^an.) 

Iji;;iit (in weight). 

Uight hand horizontal, back downward, fingers extended and partially 
curviMl upward, is carried upward by easy motion iu front of the body, 
with arm nearly extended and as though the hand contained some light 
object. (Dakota I.) " Not heavy to lift." 

Point at an imaginary object; lift it with one hand, easily and rai)idly, 
high above head (Y). (Apache III.) 



170 

Lightning-. (Compare Thunder.) 

First the sisn for ThiilKier; tlien open or separate the hands, and 
lastly briny the risht hand down toward the earth, in the center of the 
o])eniii}'' jnst made. { Dunbar.) 

Itight liand elevated before and above the head, forefinger pointing 
upward, l)roiight with great rapidity with a. sinuous, undulating motion; 
finger still extended diagonally downward toward the right. {Chey- 
enne I.) 

As thunder and lightning generally accompany each other, there is 
no separate sign for L<i$^litnill$?. (Dakota I.) 

Extend the index straight and earthward, raise the hand to the height 
of the head, and pass it (|uiekly down toward the ground making a ro- 
tary movement with the tinger in doing so. (Apache L) 

L<iwlen. Hee Hear. 

Little, ^iiinll nnioiint. See Small, also JVone. 

Locoiiiotive. 

Place the right hand, with the fingers and thumb partially curved 
upward and separated, kuuckles outward, in front of the breast, aTid 
push it u]) and down a short distance while moving it forward (putting 
smoke and forward movement of engine) ; then place both bands edge- 
wise before the chest, jialms facing, and while uujving the left but a few 
inches forward, pass the right quickly by it and to the front to arm's 
length. (Eaioiral; Comanche III; Apache II; Wichita II.) " Rai)id 
motion as coiuinired with anything else." 

IvOiige, Tipi, ^Vi;;-wain. 

The two lumds are reared togetiier in the form of the roof of a house, 
the ends of the fingers upward. (Long.) 

Place the opened thumb and forefinger of each hand opposite each 
other, as if to make a circle, but leaving between them a small interval; 
afterward move them from above downward simultaneously (which is 
the sign for vilkuje) ; then elevate the finger to indicate the number — 
one. (Wieih) Probably he refers to an earthen lodge. I think that the 
sign I have given you for " skin lodge" is the same with all the Upper 
Missouri Indians. (Matthews.) 

Place the fingers of both hands ridge-fashiou before the breast. 
(Burton.) 

Indicate the outlines (an inverted V, thus /^), with the forefingers 
toucliing or crossed near the tips, the other fingers closed. (Arapaho I.) 



171 

Both hands open, finj>ers npwanl, tips toiicliinf;, l)rou<,flit downward, 
and at same time separated to describe outline of a cone, suddenly 
stopped. (Cheyenne J.) 

Place tlie tips of tlie tinkers of l>oth iiands toj^etlu-r in front of tlie 
breast, with the wrists some distance apart, as in the outlines of the 
letter A. {Dcihifa V.) 

AVith both liands Hat and extended, pointing;' upward, jialiiis faciiif;-, 
place the tips of both tof;ether, allowing the wrists to be aliout tliiee or 
four inches apart. (Slnislioiii iind Baiidk \.) "Outline of lod.iic-poles 
with covering.'' 

Both liands flat and extended, ])lacing the tips ot' tlie lingers of one 
against those of the other, lea\-ing the palms or wrists about four inches 
ai)art. {Ahsarohi I ; Wjiat'diit I ; Slioslniui (iml lUinal; I.l " I'rom its 
exterior outline." 

Tipi is the preferred wonl with the Sioux. Wiiiirant is not known. 
Ijoth hands carried to the front of the breast and ]>lace<l V-shajied, 
with the ]ialms looking toward each other, edge of tingers outward, 
thumbs inward. (Dahittt I.) " From the tipi." 

Cross the ends of the extended foretingeis, the right oneeitlier in front 
or behind the left, or lay the ends together; rest tiieends of the thumbs 
together side by side, the other tingers to lie nearly closed, hands nearly 
upright, and the tingers resting against each other, palms inward. (/>«- 
lofa IV.) '■ Eepresents the tijii poles and the sha])e of the tipi." 

Fingers of both hands extended and separ.ite(l ; then inrerJace theui 
so that the tijJS of one hand protrude beyond the backs of those of the 
o])posiiig one; hold the hands in front of the breast, leaving the wrists 
about six inches apart. (/>((/,<)/rf VII : HhhitsK I : Aril'iira 1.) 

The extended hands, with linger tips ui>ward and touching, tlie palms 
facing one another, and the wrists about two inches apart, are held 
before the chest. {Mundun and Hidatsa I.) 

I'lace the lip of the index against the tip of the forelinger of the left 
hand, the remaining tingers and thunibsclosed,l>efort' the chests, leaving 
the wrists about six iiu'hcs apart. {Kaiown 1 ; Comnnche III ; Apache 
11; Wiehitn W.) " Outline of lodge. This is an al)bicviated sign, and 
care must be takeu to distinguish from to meet, in which the lingers are 
brought from their respective sides instead of ui>ward to form gesture.'? 

riace the tips of the fingers of the flat extended hands together before 
the breast, leaving the wrists about six inches apart. {Kaiowal; Co 
manche 111) Apache 11; Wichita Ih) 



172 

Rotli hands flat and extended, tinkers slightly separated then phice 
the finders of the rifjht hand between the fingers of the left as far as 
the second joints, so that the fingers of one liand protrude about an 
inch beyond those of tlie opposite; tlie wrist nuist be Iield about six 
inches a]>art. (Kdioiro \; ('uniiinrlir III; Apache 11 ; Wichitali.) "Out- 
line of Indian lodge and crossing of tent-i)oles above the covering." 

riace the tips of the spread fingers of botli hands against one an- 
otlier, pointing upward before the l)ody, leaving a s])ace of Ironi four to 
six inches i)et\veen the wrists. {I'td-Tte I.) "Ke]U'esents tlie boughs 
and branches used in the construction of a Pai-Ute wiki-up." 

Place the tii)s of tiie two Hat hands together before the body, leaving 
a space of al>out six inches between the wrists. (Lie I.) ''Outline of 
the shai)c ot the lodge."' 

Coining out of a. 



Same as the sign for l^odge. Entering a, only the lingers of the right 
hand point oblicpiely upward after passing under (lie left hand. ( i>iil«iU( 
I.) "Coining out from under cov(>r." 

Entering a. 



Tlu; left hand is held with tiic hack ii iward, and the right hand also 
with the back ui) is jiassed in a curvilinear direction down under the 
other side of it. Tlie left hand here represents the low door of the skin 
lodge and the right the man stooping to pass in. {Lon<i.) 

t 

Pass the flat light hand in short curves under the left, which is held 
a short distance forward. (Wicd.) 1 have described the same sign. It 
is not necessary to pass t he haiul more than once. I5y saying curves, he 
seems to imply many passes. If the hand is passed more than once it 
means re])rtitiou of the act. {.irattheici.) The conception is of the stoop- 
ing to pass through the low entrance, which is often covered by a flap of 
skin, sonu'times stretched on a frame, and which must be shoved aside, 
and the subsequent rising when the entrance lias been accomplished. 
In the same tribes now, if the intention is to speak of a jierson entering 
the gestiirer's own lodge, the right hand is passed under the left and 
toward the l)ody, near which the left hand is held; if of a person enter- 
ing the lodge of another, the left hand is held further trom the body and 
the right is passed under it and outward. In both cases both hands are 
slightly curved an<l comjiressed. 

A gliding movement of the extended hand, fingers joined, backs up, 
downward, then ascending, indicative of the stooping and resumption 
of tlie uiiright position in entering the same. {Antpaho I.) 

(1.) Sign for l^odge, the left hand being still in position used in mak- 
ing sign for Lodge ; (2) forefinger and thumb of right hand brought 



173 

to ii iioiiit and tliiiist tlir()ii,t;li tlie outline of nii iinajiiiiai-.v Iodide n'lire- 
seiitcd 1>\' the lett liaml. {Cheyenne I.) 

Fiist make the sij;n tor l^od^e, then jihiee t lie lelt hand, innizontal and 
slightly arched, before the liody, and ])assthe rif;iithand with extended 
index-tin.ii'er nnderneatii the left — forward and sliiihtly ujiward liexond 
it. (D((ki>t<( V; Ahx((r(il<t 1; iSlio.slioni and llaixik I: W'nuntUit I.) 

Left hand (AV), ends of lingers toward the rij;lir, stationary in front 
of the lett breast ; pass tlie ri^lit hand dii'eetly and (|nickly ont from 
the breast under the slatidiiaiy left hand, endiiiii with the extended 
finders of the rij^ht hand imintin;;' oiitwaid and sli!;htl>' downward, 
joined, i)alm downward Hat, horizontal (W). {Ihikota I.) "(ioiie under; 
eovered." 

'I'he lelt hand paliii downward, lin;;cr-ti]is I'oiw ard, eit her ipiite ex- 
tended or with the tinj;t'rs sli.nhtly lient, is held belbre the body. Tiien 
the riyht hand nearly oi' (|nite extended, iialni dow nwaid, tinj,;er-tips 
near the left tlinndi, and pointing;' towards it, is passed f rans\'ersely 
under the lett hand and one to four inches below it. The tinkers of the 
right hand point slightly upward when the nH)tion is completed. This 
sign nsnally. but not iiixariably, refeis to entiTing a house. {Minnlaii 
mill Ifiiliitsii 1.) 

riace the slightly curved left hand, i)alm down, before the breast, 
]H(inting to the light, then pass the Hat right hand, palm down, in a 
short curve forward, nndci- and npwai-d beyond the left. (/7c 1.) " l';\i- 
deutly from the manner in which a person is oliligcd to stooji in enfer- 
iiig an ordinary Indian lodge." 

I\[oving' away a. 

Hold tne hands as tor I>4hI;;'(' and push fliem forward a foot or 
eighteen inches. (Dakotn 1\'.) 



]\lo\ing this way a. 

Hold the hands^as in the sign for Lo<l;;(' and draw them toward you. 
[Dakota IV.) 



Taking down a. 



Make the sign for liO<l;;'<' and (piickly throw the hands outward, at 
the sanu' time opening all of the fingers. {Dakota l^".) 

(ireat council. 



Make the sign for l^oilso ? then place both hands somewhat bent, 
l»alnis facing about ten inches ajiart, and i)ass them upward from the 
waist as high as the face. {Hidutna 1 ; Arikara I.) 



174 

liOiter. To sad, dawdle. 

The liaiid i.s held as in the .sign tor White-tailefl Deer, but the 

tip of the index-tiiiger is made to describe lines of two or more feet in 
length from side to side, and to do this the whole arm must be moved. 
(Mandan and Hiflatsa I.) 

Loiljt', in extent. See Big" in the sense of Lon^. 

■>oiiS', in time. See Time. 

Look: See: 

Touch the right eye with the index and jujint it outward. (Burton.) 

(1.) Fore and mi(hlle tingers of right hand extended, placed near to 
the eyes, i)ointing outward, and (2) thrust with a slight downward 
curved motion quickly forward toward the object to be seen or looked 

at. [Chmicnnc 1.) 

Included in To look, SeeiilS'« ^^itb the addition of the sign for 
AfteiifiOH niade first. (l>al;()t<i 1.) 

I^ook, to. Neeins. 

Fore and second tingers right hand ("X) brought to the level of the 
eyes, extended lingers pointing outward, back of hand upward, hori- 
zontal, is then carried directly outward on the same level with a slight 
toand fro or sidewise motion of the tingers. Many Sioux Indians use 
both hands in making this sign with only the forefinger of each extended. 
(Jhikotii I.) "Turning the eyes in looking.'' 

Dcaf-mntc luituKil k'ujhs. — Point to something and strain theeye toward 
it, accomitanied by an expression of command. (Balhird.) 

Put the open hand ou the shoidder, or the hand, or the arm of some- 
body (when this body asks what); point with the forefinger of the other 
hand to something valuable to look at, nodding the head, so as to cause 
him to look at it, and then to lift up the eyes toward it. [Hasoistab.) 

Keep the eyelids more open than usual, and then put the forefinger 
toward one of the eyes and (piickly stretch and keep it in a straight 
liue from the same eye. (Larson.) 

Place the forefinger ou the eye and then i)oint with it as if to point to 
something. (Zeigler.) 

Lookiiig'-g:la!iJ«$. See mirror. 

The right hand is brought in front of breast, palm outward (T, with 
left hand palm near thumb of right), right is moved forward at the same 



175 

time the left is moved back toward rifjiit sltoiilder in o1)liqii(? iii)\vard 
position witli palm to iij;lit. (Chn/eniie U.) "The riylit is tlie object 
disap[)eariiij;- from view till lost. The left obstrm'ts the si{,'lit." 

Use the same hand and motions as in C'raxy, descril)e rapidl.v en- 
larpng- circles, then reverse motions of circles. Point in different di- 
rections and aj^ain lejieat the circles around the head from right to left, 
with riyht luuid. (Ojihini IV.) 

Hold the iett iiand Hat, witii the palm downward, aliont twelve iiu'hes 
before the chest, then pass the ri^ht. Hat aii<l extended, forward nnder 
the left and upward l>e,vt)ud it, toward the left. {Kaioical; Comunche 
III; Apache 11 : Wicliifn 11.) 

Ivove, or A flection. 

The clinclieil lianil jiressed hard n])on the breast. (Limy.) 
Pantomimic emltrace. {Arapalio 1.) 

Both hands closed, riiilit slij;htly above tln^ left and brought \\]t in 
front of and a slijiht distance from the breast, and hnn-ged to middle of 
breast, left hand liclow the riuht. (Chri/eniic 1.) "The embrace." 

Same as Adiiiiralioii. (Dobifn I.) 

Cross the forearms near the wrists on the np]ier part of the chest, 
hands closed, backs forwaid. {l)al;o1<( IV.) 

\ln<i both hands to the bosom as if clasi)ing- something;' affectionately. 

{^yk■hl1(i I.) 

l>euf-miiie jiutiiral xii/ii. — Kiss yonr hand and point to the heart, with 
a hapjiy smile. (Cross.) 

Italian sii/n. — Place the o]ien hand over the heart. (Butler.) 

IVIale (applied to aninuds). 
Make a tillip with foretini>'er of right hand on the cheek. (Dunbar.) 

Right hand, back upward, forefinger poiTiting outward and ui)ward, 
elevated to front of person, and motioned once or twice up and down. 
(Cheyenne I.) 

Same as iWale, applied to man. (Dakota I.) " From the male organ 
of generation." 

Applied to man. 

Right hand clo.sed, thrust through the left hand, which then clasps 
the wrists, very slight up-and-down motion nuule. (Cheyenne I.) 

Another: Right hand closed, held in obliquely erect position, left hand 
loosely clasjiing it and rubbed up and down from the knuckles to the 
upper part of the forearm. (Cheyenne I.) 



176 

Another: Kight-liaiul tinkers and tliunib bioiifilit to a point and 
thrust throujih tlie left liand, which then chisps the wrist as before; 
slight upward motion made. {Cheyenne I.) 

Left-hand forefinger straight, pointing backward and upward; fore- 
linger of the right liand laid across the back of tiie left, seemingly to 
isolate and lengthen out the foretinger of the left liand. {Chei/ennc I.) 

Sign for Mqiinw, followed by that of ]\es"ative. Also, sign for 
Iflale a])plied to animals. (Arapaho I.) 

The extended forehnger of the right hand (of which the others are 
closed) is laid in the crotch, finger ])oiiiting downward, back of hand 
ui)ward. [Jtahita I.) 

Applied to man and aninuds. 



Deaf-imite nutural nhjn. — Take hold of the pants, at the same time 
shake tlieni. (Zeif/lcr.) 

lUnn. 

With tiie foretinger of the right hand extended, ami the liand shut, 
describe a line, beginning at the i)it of the stomach, and passing down 
tlie middle of the body as far as the hand conveniently reaches, holding 
the hand a moment Ix'tween the lower extremities. (Dinibar.) 

A finger held vertically. (Ltnuj.) 

Elevate tlie index finger and turn the hand liither and thither. 
{Wicd.) I have seen only the sign of the erect finger without the mo- 
tions to which he refers. (Mnttheirs.) The turning of the hand liithei- 
and thither probably was to convey more than the simple idea of man. 
It might have meant only one man, or that a man was alone. 

A finger directed toward the pubis. {Maef/on'aii.) 

Hold the index-finger erect before the face. (Dodj/e.) 

(ieuerally, any sign as a Sioux, a (Jheyenne, etc., is understood to re- 
fer to the male, unless the sign for a >Squaw or Woman follows. (Ara- 
paho I.) 

Righthaiid i)aliii inward, elevated to about the level of the breast, 
forefinger carelessly pointing upward, suddenly pointed straight up- 
ward, and the whole hand moved a little forward, at the .same time 
taking care to keep tiie liack of the hand toward the person addressed. 
(Cheyenne 1.) 

The right hand is held in front of the right breast with the forefinger 
extended, straight upright (J), with the back of the hand outward, 
move the hand upward and downward with finger extended, etc. This 



177 

is jrcneral. White man lias a s])ecial sifjn, also nejjro, and carli tribo 
of Indians. {Dakota I.) 

First, tlie extended risht index, pointing forward, back u])ward, is 
to be placed horizontally in front of the privates, or a little Iiij,dier, and 
the hand suddeidy lowered abont an inch. Tlien carry the hand (index 
Still extended) to the ri<,dit and upward through an arc, and brinj; it nj)- 
right to a position a foot or so in front of the right .shoulder, its back- 
forward, and the index pointing ni)ward, and suddeidy move it forward 
an inch or so. While making these movements the middle, ring, and 
little Angers are to be closed and tiie thumb against the middle tiiiger. 
(Dakota IV.) "Male one." 

r>le\ate the extended index before the right cheek, and throw the 
hand forward, keejiing the ]ialm toward the body. {I>ak<ita Vi.) 

Place the extended index, pointing upward and forward, before the 
lower ]iorti()n of the abdomen. {Dakota YII.) 

The right hand in the position of an index-hand, ]iointiiig upward, is 
held a few inches in front of the abdomen or chest, the outer edge of 
the hand being nsnally forward. {Mandati and Uidatxa I.) 

Tlie left arm is elevated and the hand, in type jiosition (SI. horizon- 
tal), is drawn across before the body on a level with the shoulder. Tlie 
right arm is then raised and extended before the body with the ha^d, in 
l>osition (J 1), more stiffly extended. {Oto and Missouri I.) "A being 
with projecting sexual organ."' 

Eaise the closed liand. with the imlex only extended and ele\ated. 
pointing upward to the front of the right breast (cheek or shoulder) 
keeping the back of the hand to the front. {Kaioica I; Comanche 111 ; 
A2)acliell; Wichita W.) 

The forefinger of either hand is lirought before the body, iiointiiig up 
ward. {Pai Vie I.) 

Pass the extended right hand downward, forward and upward from 
the hip, then lay the extended forefinger across the back of the right 
■wrist. ( Utr I.) " Male genital organ and length of." 

Ikaf-mutc natural signs. — Put the hands on the legs and draw the 
hands up, in imitation of the act of putting on a ]iair of ])aiitaIooiis. 
(Ballard.) 

Stretch up the open hand over the head, indicating the general height 
of the man; next use both hands as if to stroke the beard or the mus- 
tache, and then nod the head. (Uasenstab.) 

Make the motion of taking the hat from the head. (Larson.) 
23 



178 



Old. (Compare Ohl. 



Hold tlic rij;lit liaiul, bent at elbow, lingers and tliiimb elosed side- 
wise. {Cheyenne I.) " Old age dependent on a start"." It is made more 
einpliatie by a tottering step. 

Place tiie rigiit extended index, pointing forward, back npward, hori- 
zontally in front of tlie privates, and suddenly lower the hand about an 
inch, as for ITIaii; tlien move the right first, its back outward, from 
twelve inches in front of the right breast, forward and backward two 
or three times about a foot, describing an ellipsis peri)endicular to the 
ground. {Dakota IV.) "Progression of a man with a staff." 

Place the closed rigiit hand in front of and as high as the elbow, leav- 
ing the index curved and ])ointing toward tlie ground. If the man is 
very aged, cause the hand to tremble at the same time the gesture is 
made. {Dal-ofn YIl.) 

Eiglit hand closed, forefinger slightly curved, hand held before the 
body or right hip, palm down, allawing the forefinger to droop toward 
the ground. {(Umuinche II.) " Form a jiosition of the flaccid glans pe- 
nis of an old man." 

Close the rigiit liaiid, pointing forward from the body, palm down, 
then partly extend the index, the tip pointing toward the ground; 
the lovi'er tlie hand is held and the more the index is crooked, the greater 
the age of the iMdividual. ( Ute I.) " Cur\ed and flaccid glans penis of 
an aged iiidix idiial." 

Touch te(^th; iinike the sign tor ]Ve<;;'atioii; touch hair; touch white 
tent. \sk-]. {ApiK-he \U.) "Toothless, and white haired." 

^■(mn}'-. 



With the right hand, index only extended, ]dace the hand a short dis- 
tance in front of the hip at the height of the elbow, pointing upward at 
an angle of about 20°, palm to the left. {Comanche II.) " Tendency of 
erection in a young man." 

ITIa rolling:. See <,loiiig'. 

lfls«rrias:e. 

There is no marriage ceremony with the Sioux Indians, and conse- 
quently no sign designating "marriage," and it can only be expressed 
by Coiiipniiion. {Dakota I.) 

JUnrried, <o iiiarr>. (Compare $aine, Similar.) 

The iiaiids are placed in front, the arms prouated, and the extended 
forefingers (the othei-s being flexed) are placed in contact side by side. 
(Mandan and Hidatsa I.) 



179 

Close both liaiids, except tlie two forefiiif^ers, and place tliein side by 
side, pointing' forward, ill front of the breast. {Froiiuuis I.) This sign 
exjiresses mated, also hushaiid or iri/e. 

llriiig tiie two Ibrelingers side l>y side, hands pinnated. {Ziiili I.) 

It((Uan nUpt. — rieteiid lo |»iit a ring on the ring linger, or lay the I wo 
foretlngers together side by side; yet this l;isl is more coniiiionly nsed 
of any niiioii or hariiiony. (Iliiilcr.) 

^li\U\\. 

As thongh striking a niatcli on (he pahn of tlielel't liaiid lieid in Iront 
of breast, with tlie right liand. (IhiLotd I.) '• I<'i-oin tiie act of striicing 
a match." 

Hold tlie h'ft iiand before the body, extended and pointing toward 
the right, palm down, then jdace the tip of the thnmi) of the right 
hand against the index and second linger and [)ass them (piickly along 
the inner edge of the left hand from the wrist forward as if lighting a 
match. (luiioica 1; Cumdnche 111; Slionlioui and lUinok 1; I'tc I; 
Apiirhr 1, 11: ]Virliil(i II.) 

.TIcdiciitc. (Compare Uoofoi'.) 

Carry the right hand in position as though holding a bottle in front 
of the month, and then ti|) it np as though drinking from the bdltle. 
(hdl-otd I.) "Drinking medicine from a bottle." 

The left hand with the arm semi-i'xiended is held with the back 
upward before tin' body. The exteinled index of the right hand 
then nibs on the back of the left, as the mixing of medicine on a pill- 
tile. J'>otli hands with tlietingers. as in (<|), are then held tremblingi - 
before the body's sides. The extendcil indices next compress the tem- 
jiles and the c<Mintenance assumes an a|)pi'arance of distress. For 
medicine to induce sleep, (piiet cough, check How of blood, or inirge, 
the sign.s ajipropriate to the latter conditions or words are conjoined. 
(Oti) and Missouri I.) '• Somctliing stirred iij) for inward distress." 

hc<(/-iiii(trn/(ti(nilsii/ii. — Use the sign lor Kit'k, III, and then the 
sign for Ui'iiik. {Zrif/ler.) 

Ill Indian sense. (Compare Indian Ooi'lor. >ilin>nan.) 

Stir with the right hand into the left, and afterward blow into the 
hitter. ( Wied.) There is a similarity in the execntion of the {Ofo and Mis- 
souri I) H\gn and Tr/^r.s- sign. The stirring in the left instead of on its 
back as in the former may be a matter of caprice. It is probable that the 
conclusive blowing into the hand in the latter is to add mystery, as in 
the iiiagiciau's trick. (Botcler.) All persons familiar with the Indians 
will under.stand that the term " medicine," foolishly enough adopted by 



180 

both rieiich and English to express the aboriginal magic arts, has no 
tberapentic significance. Very few even jjretended remedies were ad- 
ministered to the natives and probably never by the professional 
shaman, who worked by incantation, often pnlverizing and mixing the 
substances mystically used, to prevent their detection. The same mix- 
tures were employed in divination. The author i)articularly mentions 
Mandan ceremonies, in which a white "medicine" stone, as hard as 
jjyiites, was i)roduced by rubbing in the hand snow, or the white feath- 
ers of a bird. The Ijlowing away of the disease, considered to be intro 
duced by a sui)ernatural i)ower foreign to the body, was a common part 
of the. juggling i)erforinance. 

The right index is pointed toward the ground in several different di- 
rections in fiont of the body, and then the other fingers and thumb are 
extended, and the hand carried from the median line of the body with 
a gradually decreasing s[)iral motion to <lirectly over the head, where 
the hand points upright, edge of hand toward the front. (iMkofu I.) 
"Mysterious, hence sjicred ; jtower of herbs over disease." 

Medicine Mnii. ^iliiiiiiaii. (Compare Doctor.) 

This double sign is made with the rigiit hand, describing m;in fii'st. 
l]ring hand up to front of right shoulder, forefinger straight upright 
(J, palm inward); mo\e forward, then bring it up front of face with first 
and second fingers straight and upward, separated (^, i>alm inward). 
Then make three or four moves in a circle with tiie hand in that i)osition. 
The arm is not necessarily moved, only the hand from wrist up. {Cliey- 
emie II.) "The medicine sign as made, su]ii)osed to rci)resent singing 
and shaking the wand in incantations." 

Make shaking and short jerking motions of the body, with arms and 
hands jerking and fingers pointing to and around head, neck, and body, 
with wild gestures and distorted features, also short (iiiivering stei)s, 
the toes scarcely leaving the ground, and wild shakes of the head. 
(OjihwalY.) 

First make the sign lor Dalotu Indians (See Tribal SuiNs), (or any 
other tribe, as maybe desired), then the sign for Man, and then the 
right hand with fqre aiid index fingers extended, jjointing upward, others 
closed [\). is carried from the partially extended iiosifion of the hand 
on completing the sign for ITIan, upwanl, with a sjiiral motion, directly 
above the head. {Dakota I.) 

W'itii its index-finger exteniled and pointing upward, or all the fingers 
extended, l)ack of hand outward, move the right hand from just in front 
of the forehead, spirally upward, nearly to arm's length, from left to right, 
in the opposite direction to the sign for Fool and Craaiy. [Dakota IV.) 



181 

Elevate and rotate the extended index before tlie foreliead. [Da- 
kota VI; Hiilaina I; Aiikara I.) 

i;ul> the lijiht elieek witli tlie pahiiar snrlaee ot the extended tin;;er.s 
of the riyht hand, then lub the baek of the ehtsed left hand with the 
index and seeond finyeis of the rij^ht, and eonelnde hy holdinfj- tiie left 
liand before the face, the index and second tinkers only extended and 
sei)arated, pass it npward and forward liefore the face, rotatinj; it in 
so doinj;-, the rotation occtirriiii; at the wrist. (Kaioirn I : Cinnttncln: III; 
ApadieW; Wichita II.) 

Point to herbs or plants at a short distance from the body ; imitate 
the ])ouiiding uj) of the same in a vessel with the rij;ht hand, nsini; the 
left as if holdin.u- one. then make the si^ii of |o ICal. {Ajiachc I.) "The 
l)rei)aration of plants or lierl)s for internal administration." 

IWeet, To. (Compart- Lod^'e.) 

Hriiiji the extended forelins^crs from cither side, allow the tips to 
come toj;ether before the body, keeping; the wrists abont six inches 
aiiart. [Kaiowal; VomancIicHl ; Ai>a<he II ; Wichit(( U.) 

.TIeloii. 

Fingers of the right liand separated aiidcnrved; i)laee the palm abont 
ten or twelve inches from the gronnd, lingers pointing forward, and ]iass 
it forward in an upward curve, corres])onding to the elongated and eon- 
vex form of a melon. (Kaioira I; Couiaiiclir III; Ute I: Apache \. II; 
Wichita II.) 

Extend both foretingers, pointing upward, jialms toward the breast, 
and hold the hands before the (-hest; then draw them inward towafd 
their resjtective sides, and ])ass them njiward as high as the sides of the 
head by either elieek. {Kaion-a I: Vomanchv III: .4;)fl(7/(' II ; Wichita 11.) 

On another. To have. 



Hold both hands nearly side by side lu-fore the chest, palms forward, 
forelingei, only extended and jiointing njiward; then move them for- 
ward and ni)ward, as if passing them by the cheeks of another person 
fioni the breast to the .sides of the head. {Kaioica 1; Comanche III; 
A])((chc II ; Wichita II.) 

IWexit-aii. (See also Tuiual Skjns.) • 

I'ight hand (V), back outward, is held, with fingers pointing down- 
ward, at the eliin. (Dakota I.) " From the wearing of a beard. The 
Sioux .say the Mexicans are the only lixlians tliat wear a beard." 

Move the right hand in a small circle from right to left beneath the 
chin, palm upward, fingers semidexed, thund) against index. [Dakota 
IV.) " From the beard on the chin of the first they saw." 



182 

Place the right hand about three inches below the chin, wrist toward 
the neck and knuckles forward, palm up, curve the spread fingers and 
thumb so that the tii)S are all directed to one point; then work the 
fingers and thumb at the second joints as if scratching, but keep the 
palm motioidess. [Kaiowa I; Comanche HI; Apache II; Wichita U.) 
"Whiskers." 

Pass the flat right hand across the cheeks and chin from ear to ear 
aTid from left to right. (Ute I.) 

Extend thumbs and forefingers widely about head, a few inches from 
the hea<l. (Apache HI.) "Who wear hats with moderately broad 
brims." 

.^iiie, tlv property. See Po^>«eM!>>ioii. 

Mirror. 

The ]ialiii of the hand held before the face, the fingers ])ointing 
u]iward. [Lout/.) 

Place both palms before the face, and admire your countenance in 
them. {liiirtoii.) 

Kiglir hand (^) lu'ld in front of the face, hand and head turned as 
though looking at different i)arts of the face. (Dakota I.) "From the 
u.se of a looking-glass." 

The erect extended right liand, palm backward, is lu'ld before the 
face, at about the distance a mirror would be held, and the gaze is 
directed toward the i>alm. (.l/«»'7((» and Hiilnim I.) 

The left arm is elevated and .semi-extended; tlie hand is then in posi- 
tion (W), modified by being, palm up, held befoie the face and the eyes 
intently directed as looking therein. (Oto and Mifmouri I.) " The ordi- 
nary hand minor used among the Indians." 

Deaf-mute natural sign. — Outline the shajjc of a mirror with the two 
the foietingers iu tlie air, then place the hand before the face and fix 
eye upon it. (lUiUavd.) 

i?Iiser (a griping num). (Compare Pt'iiiirioiis.) 

Italian lif/ns. — Italians express this idea by a doubled fist, with the 
fingers curled very close in the palm ; also with the fist drawn firndj- 
toward one, with fingers spread like claws and clutching. (Butler.) 

ITIodcwty. 

• Italian nif/n. — Cover the eyes with the fingers of one hand drawn 
apart. (Butler.) 



183 

]?Ioiiey (metallic). 

Witli the right hand point dowinvaid toward a piece of metal, and 
then carry it to the left hand held in front of the body horizontally, with 
palm ui)\vard (X) as thoni;h pnttiiiji' the i)iece of metal in it, and then 
with the edge of the fingers of the closed rigiit list (A 1) i)onnd in tlie 
l)alm of the left. {Ihikofd I.) "This is siiai)ing tlie metal into coins." 



Paper. 

I'oint to a jiiece of paper with the right hand, and then with it make 
the sign for 'Writing' ov(>r the left hand held in front of tlie left l)reast, 
with tlietlniml) and foretinger descrii)inga s(Mnicircle, with the free ends 
pointing downward, other tingers closed, {/htkotii 1.) "Tiiis indicates 
money with writing on it." 

ITIoon or ITIonf li. 

The tluimb and tingers are ele\ated toward the riglit ear. This 
.sign is generally i)i'eci'dcd hy the sign for i\i;;'lit or l>:ii'kii('M<«. 

{Dunbar.) 

Make the sign for ^iJmii, after having made that for Xis'lit. ( Wicd.) 

Combine signs for Xi^'llt and Wnai. To distingnish from the stars 
or a star, indicate relative apparent sizes. {Arnpaliti \.) 

The i-iglit hand closed, Iea\'iug the thumli and index exteiideil, Imt 
curved to form a half circle, and hold tlie hand toward the sky nearer 
the eastern horizon than zeinth. [Ahxaroka \; lliihitsnl; Wi/Kiiilof I ; 
Arikara I; iSliot^lion! aitd JUmak I; Ffc I.) 

First make the sign for ]\ij;'ht, ami then the sign for the Sllll. 
{hakota I.) "Xight snn or luminary." 

First make the sign for ^looil, and then the right index is held 
upright in front of the body to indicate one. (Dakota I.) 

Same as for Nun, lint instead of the sign for l>ay make the one 
forXigiit. ForQiini'ter-iiiooii and BB:iir-iiio«ni theendsof the 
index and thumb are kcjit about four inches apart. (Dakota IV.) 

Same as for Sinn, except that the ti])s of the linger and thund), 
instead of being opposed, are approximated so as to rei)resent a cres- 
cent. (^^anrlan and Hidatsn I.) 

Extend the curved index and thumb so as to form a crescent, close 
the remaining tingers, and raise the hand toward the sky, with the outer 
edge of the liaud forward. (Kaiou-a 1; Vowanchc III ; Apache II; Wi- 
chita U.) 

The index and thumb are curved so as to form a half circle, the remain- 
ing lingers closed. (Apache 1.) 



184 

Make a cresent with tliiunb and index, project it toward tlie western 
horizon, and by successive jerks carry tlie same to zenith. {Apavhc 111.) 
" New moon first seen above western horizon, seen each niglit succes- 
sively hiyiier toward zenith." 

Deaf-mute natural .s///^.— Move tlie hand iu a curved line Ironi the 
settinj;- to the risin.u- of the sun, and turn the foretin-er, outstretched, 
around and around like a wheel. (Larson.) 

New. 



Close the ri.yht hand, extend and curve the index aTid thumb so that 
they tbriM a hiilf circle ; then hold the hand toward the eastern horizon. 

iUiel.) 

Full. 



Reach out both arms as if huKgiug a tree, then make the sisu for 
ITIooii. (Utel.) 

Make a crescent witii thumb and index, project same to western liori- 
horizon, and by several success! vejerks from west to east change crescent 
to circle ; hold at eastern horizon ; retrograde toward the west with a 
few less distinct jerks. {Apaehe 111.) " Apparent lunar course." 

Month. 



Sign for iUooil, and passed across the heavens from east to west. 
[Apache I.) 

Deaf-mute natural sinus. — Make a zigzag motion in the air witli the 
forefinger. [Uallanl.) 

Move the fluger iu a zigzag way. [Larson.) 

Itlore. See Add. 

Morning. See East. 

iTIodier. See Reinf ioii!«hip. 

.^loiiiilniii. (Compare Hill.) 

Outline its projection against the sky with the hand, to which may be 
added sign for llii;ii — as a hill. [Arapaho I.) 

Eight hand (A 1) to the left side on level of the face is drawn in front 
of the face to the right side on the same level, where it is held for a 
moment. [Dakota 1.) "A height or mountain directly in front." 

Strike the palm of the left hand with the back of the right fist, palm 
of left hand backward; clo.se the left hand, turning its back outward, 
and raise the right list two feet above it, and then make the sign for 
Liai'g:e. [DalotalY.) 



185 

Plncp hotli Iiaiids, fliit niid fxtPiKlcd, tliiiiiil) to tliiuiib. witli jialins 
downward, in front of and as liiyli as tlic head; then passtlicni outward 
and downward toward tlicir resi)ectiv(' sides, d(,'scril>infi' the npiK'r iialf 
of a circle, and brinji' tliem hack to llic point of starting-. ( Wi/ninltit I.) 

Place the flat and extended left hand cdi;-cwise l)cfo]'ethe lace, thnuili 
restinj; on the forelinyer, back forward, linger tips pointiny-toward the 
rijiiit. (Utc I.) 

Hold both hands np before the bod.v as if nioldiui;- a nionntain ; liirns! 
liand, on edge, downward over otliei' hand in several directions, {.ipurlie 
III.) "(Jafions down its sides." 

Deaf- in life uiitunil signs. — [Jse one hand so as to rei)resent a plane 
inclined upward, and move tlie other band over and above it. {Ballard.) 

Move tiie outstretched hand obli(|uely. [Zvujkr.) 

Divide. 

Hold the left hand flat, and extended l)eibre the face, finders itointin.^ 
toward the right, the tip of the thumb slightly turned upward; then 
witli the extended index indicate ihe gap over the left palm against the 
base of the upturned joint of the thund), allowing the index to go down 
n])on the back a siiort distance. (Apavhf 1.) 

Pass. 

Plac(^ the flat and extended left hand edgewise before the body, elevate 
the thumb, thus forming a crotch ; then pass the index, pointing over 
tlu' left hand, between the thumb and forelinger, from the palmar side 
down over the back. [Uie I.) 

Uauge. 

^lake the sign for lYIoilBlf.'liii, holding the hand at varitms points 
continuously toward tlie horizon. [Vtv V.) " ^Mountain, and continua- 
tion of, along the horizon." 

.Tlove, To. 

The oidy difference from iflnri-liiii;;'. Traveling", consists in 
reversing the direction of the arched movements of the bands, bringing 
them toward the body instead of carrying them from the body. (/>((■ 
latfii I.) " Moving toward yon." 

Much. See Quantity. 

IWud. 

Both fists pushed alternately downward to the ground .several times. 
(Kaioxcal; Comanche III; Apache II; IVichita II.) " Horse's feet." 
24 



186 

.tliile, or Ass. 

Hold the open hands hij;h beside tlie head, and move them from back 
to front several times lilie wings. [^V^ed.) This sign is still in nse. 
{Mattheict.) 

To denote the male or ass the long ears are imitated by the indices 
on Ixith sides and above the head. (Burton.) 

Uoth hands, fingers and thnmbs brought to a point, placed by the 
side of the head, hollows forward, moved slightly backward and for- 
ward. [Cheyenne I.) 

The hands (T) at their respective sides of the head make movements 
resembling the Hopping of the mnle's ears. (D<ilof(( I.) "From the 
mnle's habit of tlo])])ing his ears." 

Move the opened upright hands back and forth several times above 
the ears. {Dakota IV.) 

Place both Hat and extended hands to either side of the head, the 
wrists as high as the ears, then rock the hands to and fro several times, 
movement being made at the wrists. ( Ute I; Apache I.) " Large ears." 

Italian sij/n. — Push the thumb against the heart with a stern look. 

(Jlntler.) 

:Wiite. 

i'lace the extended and joined fingers of the right hand over the 
closed lips. {luiiowal; Comanche III; A2>ache II; Wichita II.) 

r¥ear or Moon. 

The hands are brought before the body both in tyi)e position (H l)i 
modified by the fist being a little more closed and the index a little more 
extended ; the points of indices then touch and are rotated together. 
Speaking of near future, the rotary movement forward is executed. 
{Oto I.) ''Approaching c(mtact." 

Deaf-mute natural sigu.s. — Move the forefinger from here to there a 
short distance. [Ballard) 

Use the sign for Small, at the same time point with the forefinger as 
if to something at the feet and then to something at a short distance. 
[Zeigler.) 

yiesivo. (Compare Tribal Signs.) 

First make the sign for lil'^liite Man, then rub the hair on the right 
side of the head with the Hat hand. ( Wied.) The present common 
sign for "black" is to rub or touch the hair, which, among Indians, 
is almost niiiveisally of that color. 



187 

I'lace the left forearm traii.svta-.sely before tlie body, Iiaiid extended, 
dat, pahn down, then pass the Ihit rij;ht hand downward bom the h)\ver 
portion of the breast, forward and upward (fonnin},^ a curve); tlu-n in- 
dicate any object that has a black <;oIor. (Almn-okd I ; Shoshoni ami 
Banal- 1.) " Literally— born black." 

Make the sign for White Haii, tlien point at a black ol^jecl, or 
rub along- the back of the iett hand witli liie fingers of the light (for 
black). (Dakota IV.) 

Touch the hair with the lingers of the riglit hand, then rub the 
thumb and middle linger together as if snai)ping them. Kinky hair. 

(Wi/aiidot I.) 

Sweep the hand over the hair(W); gather it up in tinger-tips (!', 
with tluunb advaiioed to tinger-tips). [Apache III.) 

Another: Sweep the hand over the face; then touch some black 
object. [ApachelW.) "(1) Kinky hair. (2) IJkick face." 

Grasp the hair between tlie thuml) and index, rolling it several times 
between them. {Wichita I.) 

The two hands, open and extended, crossing one another horizontally. 
(Dunbar.) 

The head, with the eyes closed, is laterally inclined for a moment 
upon the hand. As many times as this is repeated, so many nights are 
indicated. Very fre(piently the sign of the Sun is traced over the 
heavens, from east to west, to indicate the lapse of a day, and precedes 
tile motion. (Lony.) 

Jlove both hands, open and Hat — that is horizontal — backs \\\\. and in 
small curves in front of the breast and over one anotlier. ( WiciL) This 
I believe to be primarily the sign for darkness, secondarily for night. 
Night, as a period of time, is more commonly, 1 think, indicated by the 
sign for sleeji. (Mattheirs.) The Prince of Wicd's sign differs from the 
(Oto anil Mi.fKOiiri I) in execution nud concei)tion, one representing the 
course of the cause (sun), the other the effect, obscurity, or night. ''The 
time or day that the sun moves beneath us wlien we slee^»." (Boteler.) 
The conception is coreriny and consc(pient obscurity. In the sign for 
Day by the same author he probably means that the hands, jialms up. 
were moved apart, to denote opennesa. 

Make a closing movement as if of the darkness by bringing together 
both hands with the dorsa upward and the lingers to the fore. The 
motion is from right to left, and at the end the two indices are along 
side and close to each other. This movement must be accom])anied by 



188 

bending forward with bowed head, otherwise it may be misunderstood 
for the freezing over of a lake or river. {Burton.) 

The sign for Day reversed. (Arapaho I.) " Everytliing is closed." 

Both hands outspread, i)alnis facing, passed in front of the body and 
crossed, the right hand over tlie left. {Cheyenne I.) 

Place the Hat bands in front of and as high as the elbows, palms up, 
then throw them inward toward the middle of the breast, the right over 
the left, turning the palms downward while making the gesture. {Absa- 
roM \\ Hidatm I; Kaiowa I; Arikaru I; ComamhelW; Shoshoni and 
Bancd- I; Apache II : Wivhit<( IF.) Xotc. — "For the plui-al, the sign is 
repeated two or three times and the number indicated by elevating the 
lingers of the left hand, and right if necessary. Time is reckoned by 
nights, and if but two or three nights (or days) are 'mentioned, the sign 
is made tliat number of times without elevating the lingers, the number 
of times the gesture being nuule referring to the number of days, with- 
out the accomi)anying nunu'ration." 

pjxtend the arms to full cai)acity to the sides of the body ou the level 
of the shoulders. |)aliiis downward, fingers joined, etc. (as "W), and then 
move tlieiM to the front of the body on the same level or on a slight 
(airve until they have cro.ssed each other at the wrists. {Dakota I.) 
"The coming of darkness — the closing in of night." 

l^jxteud both hands to the front at about the height of the elbow (as in 
AV), and then slowly move both at the same time, the right hand to 
the left and the left hand to the right, i)assing one above the other, 
representing the darkness closing over the earth. {Dakota III.) 

From advanced positions, two feet ai)art, about eighteen inches in 
front of the line of the body, pointing forward, ])alms downward, at the 
height of the lower part of the chest, carry the opened hands inward, 
each one describing an arc, until they point obliquely forward and out- 
ward, the right two or three inches above the left. ( Dakota IV.) "Dark- 
ness covers all."' 

Place the Hat hands, jialm down, in front of and as high as the ellwws, 
then move tljcm horizontally toward and past each other until the fore- 
anus cross. (Dakota VII.) 

The sign forl>a>' is first comi)leted; then the hand, in position (I 1), 
index more opened, describes an arc of the horizon inverted, as the sun 
beneath us; this is followed by the sign for Sleep, the eyes closed and 
the head inclining to the right, supported in the open hand; (Oto and 
Missotiri I.) 

Pxith hands i)laced in front of the eyes, palms facing, and slowly 
closed, the eyes being closed at the same time. ( Wyandot I.) 



189 

Jh'ii/mntr natural .svV/h,s.— Movp flic forofiiiRor (lo\vnw;inl tVoTii the 
west to the cast, [liallard.) 

Use tlu' sliiit hand as if to sciatcli a iiiatcli. {Hasciistah.) 

Ifo, not. See also Know, I doii*(. (('oiiii)arc .\of liiii;;-.) 

The hand held iqi before tlic face, willi tliei)aliii outward and vilnaled 
to and fro. (I>unliar.) 

The hand waved outward with the thinul) upward. (Lhhij.) 

\Va\-e tiu' liglit lumd (juiekly hy and in troid of tin' faee toward tlie 
I'ijilit. ( \\"h'(J.) Hefusing to aeeei't I lie idea or statement jiresented. 

Mo\(^ tlie liand from right to hd't, as if motioniuji' away. This sign 
also means •' I'll liaxc notliing to do with you." (liinion.) 

i.'ighl hand lingers extended togetiier, side of hand in front of and 
facing \\\v face, in front of the nioutii and waved suddenly to the right. 

(Clici/finit' I.) 

A de|irecatory wave of the right iiand from front to i-ight, lingers 
c\tcu(h'd and joined. (Arapalio I.) 

Place the right hand extended liefore the body, tiiigers |)ointing u]i- 
ward, palm to the trout, then throw the hand -jutward to the right, and 
slightly downward. (Ahsitroka I; iri(lafs(( I: Arlkara I.) 

Tile right hauil, liorizontal. Hat, palm downward (\V), is puslicd side- 
wise outward and toward the right from the lett breast. X<>, none, I 
hare n<)nt\ etc., are all exiuessed by this sign. Often these Indians for 
No will sim|)ly shake the head to the right and left. This sign, altliong'i 
it may have originally beeii intioduced from the white people's habit of 
shaking the head toexjiress A'(», has been in use among them for as long 
as the oldest people can remeuilier, yet they do not use the variant to 
express )V.v. (Ihikoia I.) "Dismissing the idea, etc."' 

Place the o|)ened relaxed right hand, pointing toward the left, liack 
forward, in trout of the nose or as low as the bicast, and throw it for- 
ward and outward al)out eighteen inches. Some at the same time turn 
the i>aim upward. Or make the sign at the height of the breast with 
both hands. [Dahita IV.) "I'epresents the shaking of the head. 
Our shaking of the head in denial is not so universal in the Old \Vorld 
as is po])ularly supi)o.sed. for the iiucient (ireeks, followed by the modern 
Turks and rustic Italians, threw the head back, instead of shaking it, 
for Xo. 

Hold the flat hand pointing upward bcd'ore the right side of the chest, 
then throw it outward and downward to the right. {Dakota VI, VII.) 



190 

The hand exteuded or slightly curved is held in front of the body a 
little to the right of the niediun line; it is then carried with a rapid sweep 
a foot or more farther to the right. {Mandan and Hldatsa I.) 

Place the hand as in Y^ew, and move it from side to side. {Iroquois 
I.) "A shake of the head.". 

Throw tlie tlat light hand forward and outward to the right, i)alm to 
the front. {Judmiut. 1; Coniaiichr III; Apitchr II; Wichita II.) 

(^iMck motion of opeii hand from the mouth forward, palm toward the 
mouth. {tSiihaptin I.) 

Place hand in front of body, fingers relaxed, palm toward body (Y 1). 
then with easy motion move to jtoint, say, a foot from body, a little to 
right, fingers same, but palm upward. [Sahaptin I.) "We don't agree.'' 
To express All f/one, use a similar motion with both haiuls. " Empty." 

Elevate the extended index and wave it (piickly from side to side 
before the face. This is sometimes accoinpauied by shaking the head. 
{Pai-Uic I.) 

Extend the index, holding it vertically before the face, remaining 
fingers and thumb closed; pass the finger quickly from side to side a 
foot or so before the face. [Apdclic I.) Tliis sign, as also tliat of (Pai- 
Ute I), is substantially the same as that with the same significance re- 
])orte(l from Xaples by De Jorio. 

Wave extended hand before tlie face from side to side. [Apache III.) 

Another: The right hand, naturally relaxed, is tlirown outward and 
forward toward the right. (Apache I.) 

Extend the i)alm of the right hand liorizontally a foot from the waist, 
palm downward, then suddenly throw it half over from the body, as if 
tossing a chij) from the back of the lian<l. ( Wichita I.) 

Deaf-mute uatund Ki<in.s. — 8hake the head. [Ballard.) 

Move both hands from each other, and, at the saiiu? time, shake the 
head so as to indicate " no." [Hasenstab.) 

Our deaf mutes for emj)hatic negative wave the right hand before the 
face. 

The Egyiitian negative linear hieroglyph is clearly the gesture of both 
bands, palm down, waved apart horizontally and apparently iitthe level 
of the elbow, between which and the JIaya negative particle "»/;«" given 
by Landa th«'re is a strong coincidence. 

I¥one, IVothins;-; I have none. 

" Little " or " nothing " is signified by passing one hand over the other. 
[Ojibmi I.) 



191 

Motion ofriibbiiio- out. (Mncijoiran.) 

May also be signified by siiiai'tly briisliiii.u- tiie right liaml across the 
lett from the wrist toward the lingers, both iiauds exteiuh'd, pahns to- 
ward eaeii otlier and fingers joined. {Anipaho I.) 

Fs inehnh^d in (iroiie. Destroyed. [Dakotit I.) 

Another : Place the opened Irtt liand about a foot in front of tlu' nav(d, 
pointing forward and to right, palm obli(|uely U])ward and backward, 
and sweep the i)alni of thcojx'n riglit iiand forward and to the right over 
it and about a foot thidugh a curve [Itiihotn \\ .) "All liare." 

Pass the ulnar side of the right index along tlie radial si<le of the left 
index from ti]i to base. Some roll the right index ovei- on its back as 
they move it along the left. The hands are to be in front of the navel, 
backs forward and outward, the lett iinlex straight and pointing for- 
ward and to the right, the right index straight and jioiiding forward 
and to the left : the other fingers loosely closed. {Dakota IV.) 

\\'ith the rigiit hand pointing obliiincly forward to the left, the left 
forward to the right, i>alms ui)ward, move them alternately .several 
times up and down, striking the ends of the fingers. Or, the left hand 
being in the abov(^ po.sition, rub the right palm in a circle on the left 
two or three times, and then move it forward and to the right. {Dakota 
VI.) "Knbbedout. That is all. It is all gone." 

Pass the palm of the tlat right hand over the left from the wrist to- 
ward and off of the tijis of the lingcr.s. {Dakota VI, VII.) 

Ihiish the palm of tla^ left hand from wrist to finger tii)s with the 
palm of tlie right. {Wi/aiiitot 1.) 

Another: Throw both hands outward toward their resi)ective sides 
from the breast. ( Wijamlot 1.) 

Pass the tlat right palm over the ](alm of tlie left hand from the wrist 
forward over the fingers. (Kaioira 1: Coinanchc III; Apache II: 117- 
chifa II.) "Wiped out." 

ilold the left hand open, with the palm upward, at the height of the 
ell)0w and before the body; pass the right quickly over the left, jialms 
touching, from the wrist toward the tips of the lett. as if brushing oft" 
dust. {Apache I.) 

Deaf-mute natural .sif/n. — Place the hands near each other, jialms 
downward, and reverse and move them over in opposite directions. 
{BallanJ.) 



192 

AuHtrnUansUjn.—Pannie (none or notbing). For instance, a native 
says Romakn uKjbia (give a tonialiawk). I re]>ly by sbaking- the band, 
tbunib, and all fingers, separated and loosely extended, palm down. 
[ISmyth.) 

Kxbausted for the present. 



Hold both hands natnrally relaxed nearly at arm's length before the 
body, palms toward the face, move; them alternately to and fro a few- 
inches, allow! ii;; the fingers to strike those of tlie opposite band each 
time ;is far as the second joint. {Kaiowa I; Comnnche III ; A2>((che II; 
WichitH n.) 

I have none. 



D&tf-iiiiiie iKtfiinil xifiiis. — Expressed by the signs for none, after point- 
ing to one's self. (lUiUanl.) 

Stretch the tongue and move it to and fro like a pendulnm, then 
shake the head as if to say " no." [Zehiler.) 

iVooii. See Day. 

Mose. 

Right index crooked, turned, jiointing downward (otliei' titigers and 
thnmb dosed), is passed downward from the npper i)art of the nose to 
tlie level of the nostrils, with back outward and tinger touching the nose. 
(Dakota I.) 

Bleeding. 

Lean the head slightly forward and continue the movement, as above 
given, downward from the level of the nostril, and repeat several times, 
which indicates the dropping of the blood from the nostrils. (Dakota I.) 

]¥o«', at once. 

Tiie two hands forming each a hollow and brought near each other 
and put into a trenndons motion npward and downward. (Dunhar.) 

CUi]) both hands together sharply and repeatedly, or make the sign 
ofTo-day. (Burton.) 

Forefinger of the right baud extended, upright, etc. (J), is carried 
upward in front of the right side of the body and above the bead so that 
the extended finger points toward the center of the heavens, and then 
carried downward in front of the right breast, forefinger still pointing 
upright. (Dakota 1.) 

Place the extended index, pointing upward, jtalm to the left, as high 
as and before the top of the head ; push the band up and down a slight 
distance several times, the eyes being directed u])ward at the time. 
(Hidatsal; Kaiowal; Arikaral; Comanche III; A2)ai'he II; Wichita II.) 



193 

Hiiinber. (Compare Coiiiitiii^; Quantity.) 

J)eaf-mute natural sh/ii. — Count the tingeijs until tlui number nine is 
reached, and beyond it count doubles of the hands, each denoting ten. 

(Cnms.) 

Oltjeotioii. 

Italian si(in. — A fiu<;er ])laced on the lower li]) is understood to mean 
some new and suddenly starteil objection to a j)revious jjlan. (Iliitlcr.) 

Ohtaill. (Comjiare P(><«M(>M<>ioil.) 

First make the gesture tor .^liiic, then nuivc tlie ri.uhl hand riuiit 
and left before the face, the tliumli turned toward the face. ( Wlftl.) 

Make the sign for $«»('art*llilli;;'. huntinji for, and then take hold 
of the object with the right hand .ind draw it in tow aid the body, ueai- 
■which the hand is brought to a si o]i. (Pahila 1.) '• I laxc hunted for 
and got it." 

Peaf-iiiKtc natural nii/ii. — lOxtcnd the hand, and close and mo\'c it back. 
{Ballard.) 

Ocean. 

Make the sign for ^Vatt'l', then jilace the liar hands, palms down- 
ward, thumbs joining, before the breast, and mo\e them horizontally 
outward to either side. (,l/j.varo/,y,' I: Slioxhaii} and lUiiial; \.) " I'.road 
water." 

Olliror. 

Turn the hands upward and inward, allowing the tijis of the fingers 
to touch the top of each shoulder. (Sav, Fox, ami Kichapao 1.) " l'',|(au- 
lets." 

Ofl'^iirinju;. See I'liild. 

Old. (C(>in])are Old iTIan, A;;ed and Time, lonj^.) 

^V^th the right hand held in front of right side of body, as though 
grasping the head of a walking-stick, describe the forward aich move- 
ment as tliough a person walking was using it for su])port. (l)al;i)la I.) 
"Decrepit age dependent on a stall." 

Place the closed right hand in tVont of and as high as the shoulder, 
leaving th(^ index i)artly extemled and bent ; then move it slowly for- 
ward and toward the left in an interrupted manner. ( Wjiandot I.) 
"Slow movement and bent form of an old man." 

Person. 

Crasp the cheeks with both hands, using the tii)S of the lingers and 
thumbs. Wrinkles. (Apache 1.) 
25 



191 
Dcnfmute naiural sujn. — A trenibling motion of the lieail. {Ballard.) 

OppoMife. 

A cliiicbwl limid lidd up on the side of the head, at the distance of 
a foot or more from it. {Lony.) 

Bring tiie ends of tiie outstretelied forefingers m ekise i)roximity, 
removing tliem again perpendicnhirly, and repeating the process several 
times. [Ojilnca U.) •' Face to face with." 

Left liaiid stationary in front of face on level of the eyes, forefinger 
alone extended, horizontal, pointing toward the right, &c. (as in M, 
except hack outward); then the right hand is carried to the right eye, 
all fingers except the index closed, which points outward, straight to- 
ward the end of the stationary extended forefinger of the left hand. 
{Dakota I.) " Forefingers oi)posite one another." 

Ottvr. 

Draw the nose slightly upwai'd with the two first fingers of the right 
hand. {Wied) 

llnh Ihe end of the nose round and round with the ends of the fin- 
gers of the right hand. {Dakota IV.) "White nose." 

Olil, Outward, Without (in position.) 

The semicircle as made in the sign for In, l,Vitliiil, with the ujjright 
riglit index phiced without the circle between it and the body. (/>«- 
kotn I.) "The variant of In, ^Vitliin/' 

Over (on the other side). 

Collect the fingers of both hands to a point, ])lace the left horizontally 
before the breast, pointing to the light, an<l tlie right behind the left, 
]iointing to the light, iialnis down, then ])ass the right forward, over and 
down a short distance beyond tlie left. {Kaiowa I; Comanche III; 
Ajiache H ; Wichita II.) " This sign is abbreviated by merely using the 
extended forefingers instead of the whole hand." 

Pack, I'.'irryin;;; a. 

Tlie hands are placed eaeli side of the iiead, as if they held the strap 
of the hoppas, which jtasscs round the foivhead, in order to relieve that 
part, by supporting a ixution of the weight of the burden ; with this 
motion, two or three slight inclinations of the head and corresponding 
movements of the hands are also made. {Long.) 

Packiii;;'. See also Horixe (packing a). 

Pa ill I. 

Uaiib both the cheeks downward with the index-finger. {Burton.) 



195 

Left band held up, back and tluind) upward, first and middle finders 
of rijilit liand dij)ped forward as tliouj^h tt)ucliin<'- soinetliinj;-, and then 
rubbed against back of liand near the base of the thumb, as in sign for 
<»rt'a!«ie. {Chei/ennc I.) 

Make the sign for Color, and then touch the clieek with tiie ex- 
tended fore and second fingers of the right liand. (Dakota I.) " Mix- 
ing the paint and applying to tht; f;ice." 

(1) liub the right forelinger in llif left i)aliii; (li) tlicn nil) it on llie 
clieeivs. (,ljiv'((7(t' III.) " (1) Mixing or grinding ; (:.') applviiig." 

The left arm is semi-extended, tlu^ hand oiicn in i)osition ( W). i>alm 
uj); the right hand then aiiproiiclies the h'ft and in position (li) scimii- 
iiigly writes in the left palm; botli hands then assume imsition (W). 
appioximate each other, tlien widely diverge. {Oto <ni<l MissoKri I.) 
'• .Soiiiethiiig extended upon which to write." 

Part'ul. .See, also, Rel:ilioiai»liip. 

(ieiierically. 

riace the hand, bowlsliapcd, over tiie right breast, as if gTMspiiig a 
])ap. (Dodge.) 

31ake the sign for Fallicr twii'c. (Ahxaroka I: iSlioKlioiii and 
BuHok I.) 

(Collect the tingers and thumb oft lie right hand nearly to a point and 
])reteiid to grasp the left breast and draw if out toward the front about 
twelve inches. (Dakota VI.) '• When this sign is made once it means 
father (which nniy be more specilically designated by elevating t!:e 
tiiiger as for .!/««, i.e., manor mnle iiarent); when it is made tn-iir it 
means l'((reiit.s, ami is used generically; when mother is meant, tlie 
signs for Parent and ^yoman, i. c, long-haired iiareiit: woman parent." 

The light arm is extended (with the hand in t\ pe-])osition ,J), and 
made to jioint to the oliject. Tiic liaiids (in type-]M>sitioiis A A) next 
apjadac'li the manimary region and thus hold for a moment. The 
right hand is then opened (as in typc-]>osition M, moditied by being 
horizontal) and made to describe a semicircle downward, inward, and 
outward from the lower part of the trunk of the body. (Oto and Min- 
nouri I.) " Ilim or her from whom comes the offspring."' 

Same sign as for FntllC'i', also made for mother with the addition of 
the sign for Woman ; literally Woman Parent. (Kaioira I ; C'o- 
manelie III; Apaehe II ; Wiehita II.) 

Partisan. See Cliiei', ^V .•»!•; 

Palieiice. Bee Quiet. 



196 
Peace. (Compare FrieiidMliip.) 

[ntertwiiK' the titi^ners of both hands. (Hiirtoii.) 

Pantomimk: — Hiimilate shakiiii;- of hands. (AropaJio I.) 

The extended lingers, separated (R), iaterlocked in front of tlie brea.st. 
hands horizontal, hacks outward, {fhikofa I.) "Let us W friends. Let 
us he at peace.'" 

The left arm semitiexed, liand closed and elevated, then si)irally ro- 
tated across the foreliead for Aii;;er; tliis is followed by the sign for 
IVo, indicating no ((iif/cr. The arms and hands then fall to sides, right 
arm is now raised, and closed hand clasped in the left axilla — the sign 
tor A dear friend. The arms are then extended and drawn inward from 
before the body. {Otoaiid Missouri 1.) " What comes of mutual friend- 
ship ami good feeling."' 

Peiiiirioii!<> or Mtin;iv. (( oiniiare i^liser.) 

Clinch both lian<ls tiniily, the right hand resting on the left, both 
drawn to the chest, held tirmly with a slight shake, pressed against 
breast, back of right hand above, witli comi)ressed lii)s and light shake 
or quiver of head. {Ojibira IV.) 

FerMon, A. Abi l9ifliva«l(i;il. 

I'lace the half-closed hands oxer the front of the forehead, backs 
(lutward, then pass them outward, downward over the cheeks and for- 
ward toward the cliin. Face; visage. {Wi/aiulof I.) 

Piilw. 

The right arm and hand is brought before the breast: the index finger 
and thumb in i)osition (II) rotate together; the hand then api)roaches 
tile m.aitli as in the sign for Eat; the act of swallowing is then exe- 
cuted. Tlie right hand then sweeps hurriedly from the anal region of 
body. (Oto and Missouri I.) '• (Something rolled between thumb and 
linger, then swallowed, that will evacuate the l)Owels." 

Pipe. 

Make the same sign as to loiiiioke. [Ahsaroka I; Sliiisliiiiii and 
Ilannt 1.) 

First make the sign of tilling the pi]>e, iu front of the stomach with 
the right hand, le(t hand held representing the bowl of the pipe, 
with tiiigeis nearly closed, back outward, edge of fingers downward, 
insert the rigjit index from above between the thumb and forefinger as 
though inserting the tobacco, then knock it down with the edge of the 
right fist (B), then extend the left hand to nearly full cai)acity, with 
back downward as though grasi)ing the pipe-stem from the right side, 



197 

and the rii;lit hand yrasps tlic .stem fioiii the Ml suh; with hack (h>\vii- 

ward iK'ar tlic mouth end. (Dal.;,/,, I.) " I-^r d,,. liHinj.- and maimiT 

oi' hiildiiLi; the pilic." 

The pahii of tlic ii;;ht hand liciiij;- upward, llic liiiuvis nearly i-loscd 
and tliiunl) extended f'oiwanl, move the hand from the month stiai-lit 
forward about four iiiehes, fhiee Of four times. Or the hanil may he 
held ui>risht, palm toward the left, thiiml) point in.u' toward the mouth, 
tin,i;ers elosed. [J>i(ki>1,< \\ .) •■ llojdin-- the pipe stem and remo\ ini^- it 
from the mouth as in smokini;." 

Mv. 



Make the siiiii for l»i|»t' and then throw the hand forward as for I 
have. It is my pipe. (l>,il.;if,( \y.) 

Pi^lol. 

The same nH)\emeut as for uun made lower down. ( Hiir/on.) 

Left hand placed in position as thou,;;h lioldiu,;;- a pistol, rii^ht hand 
forelini^er restinj;- aijainst lowei' of letl liaud, ami motioned as ihoiiyh 
coekiiii;' ])istol. {Cliei/ciu:,' I.) 

The rij^iit hand in its position near the riiiht eye. as ^ivcn in the sinii 
for <iJ8ISS, denotes a pistol. Tiiis is from the shorlness of the li.irrel. 
(lUikot,, i.) 

The riiiht arm is semicxtended heforc the front of the body; the 
hand assumes the ]iosture of tyjie jtosiliou ( BJ 1), modifu'd by bein;^' more 
opi'iiei! and index crooked as liookin;;' the t ri.i;.L;'er. I''rom Ihi' eeiiter of 
the body the semi-extended arm is ele\atcd lo a le\cl with the face and 
suddenly the hand is exiiamhMl as it projects forwaid. Tln^ rii;ht hard 
then drops to an extyiided jiositiou fiom the side of the middle of the 
body and t he left haml is drawn imIu'cw isc aiaoss it, as in si^ii for Itad. 
(Otii ,,iiil MissDiiri I.) "Something' to slioot down what is bad." 

Plaro, .\l Jliisi. (('<unpare llri'c.) 

Place the letf hand, slightly cnr\-ed. alioiit eighteen inches before the 
heart, pointinu toward the ri,i;ht, the |(alm toward the face; collect the 
fingers of the right hand to a point, and strike the i)alm of th(^ right 
against that of the left, the axes being at about right angles. (Ahsuroka 
I; Sliosli,nii ,1)1,1 Bfiiiiik I.) 

I'lace, To arrive at a. 

Tlie hands are ])laced as in the sign Ibr Plat'O, at tlii)*, but the 

right hand is brought fnmi a point at arm's length backward or out 
from tlu^ right shoulder, and struck against the (lalm of the left. 
Ahsaroka 1 : SlionhiDii au,J lUmal- I.) The left hand, repieseutiii.g Icu-al- 
ity, is held in any direction to indicate the speaker's meaning, when tlie 
right hand follows the course and strikes the left at that position. 



198 

Plain, Prairie. (Comimre Earth.) 

Lay tlie hands tiat iii)oii tbeir backs and move tliciii straight from one 
anotlier in a Lorizontal line. ( Wied.) There is no siniilhirity with WiefVs 
sifi'u in execution, nor is the conception of the latter as phiin as that of 
(Oto uniJ Missouri 1). [Botekr.) 

Wave hotli I lie i)alms outward and low down. (Burton.) 

This is expressed in the si-u for Flat, Ijevei. (l>(tl,ol<i I.) "The 
flat or level prairie." 

After i)la( iufi the hands near together, palms ui)ward, fingers point- 
ing forward, separate them about two feet; carry the extended right 
index, back ui)ward, pointing forward, through a forward curve from 
side to side in front of the body three or four times, then make the 
negative sign. {DukotK IV.) "Nothing there." 

The arms are seiuiliexed and brought, hands together, before the 
body. Then stoop forward and touch a ])iece of wood, or, in its absen(;e, 
execute the sign for the same. The hands are then approximated before 
the chest in type position (T), then made to diverge widely, finally the 
right hand openly sweeps negatively to the side [Oto nnil Missouri I.) 
"Extended space where there is no wood." 

(1) Wave the hands horizontally and laterally, palms up (X), holding- 
left hand still (X) ; (-) thrust the right hand up, fingers extended (P) ; 

(3) rub off left palm with right (X reversed); smooth off left jialm with 
right. (Aiiaclw 111.) "(1) Level surface; (13) trees ; (3) destitute of; 

(4) very smooth." 

Plaiil, To. 

Collect the fingers and thuuib of the right hand to a point, directed 
toward the ground, and as the hand is moved straight forward from the 
body, dip it toward the ground at regular intervals. [Kdioiva I; Co- 
iiia»che\U; Apache U; Wicliita II.) 

Piaiil-x, Ve;;elatioii. 

Close the right hand: extend the index, pointing vertically, arul place 
the tip of the thumb against the second joint, then pass the hand, back 
down, toward one side, in repeated moves, slightly elevating it at each 
rest. {Wyandot I.) 

Pieaxit'd. See ti^lad. 

Pond. See Lake. 

Poor. Lean. Indigent. 

The two forefingers extended, with the right as if it was a knife, imi- 
tate the motion of cutting the flesh off the left finger, beginning toward 



tlie tii>, and cuttiiif;' witli a (iiiick motion directtMl toward the base; at 
the same time tuiii the tinjrer a littU' round, so as to expose tlie dilleieiit 
parts to the aetion of cnttin};-; iiit iniatinu tliat tlie llcsh has diminished 
from starvation. (Loiu/.) 

Hold the tiattened hands toward one another before the breast, 
Kei)arate them, moving all the lingers several times inward and ontward 
toward and outward from the breast. ( Wicd.) The left forearm is ele- 
vated and semi-e.vtended from center of side of body. Left haml is in 
type position (J 1, horizontal). The right hand, in a similar position, 
seemingly shaves the left index-linger towaid the body. Tliere is no 
ap]>arent identity in exeention or conception of this sign with that of 
the I'rince of Wied. (Hofelef.) "Reduced to small dimensions." 

Pass one foretinger along the other, leaving it at flu- tip, bol li cNlcnd- 
ed, as if paring or whitlling it. (Araixilio I.) 

With the hands abont tour inches in front of the chest, ends near 
together, ])ointing inward, jialms backward and fingers relaxed, <pdekly 
move them a few inches outward several times, each time nearly closing 
the lingers. (l>iil(it<i W .) "Because the ribs show and the lingers tit 
in between them." 

IMace both hands with lingers joined but hooked iii)on the middle of 
the chest, and pull theuL apart as if tearing open the tlesh. (Ka'unra [; 
('(iniiiiultc \\\\ Apoi-lif \\: Wicliitd 11.) 

With the right hand to the breast, imitate the gra.sping anil tearing 
ojfeTi thereof. (Sli(»ili(nii (tiid Jiunal; 1.) 

Deafiiiute natural siiju. — IMace the hands n|>iin the cheeks, and draw- 
in the cheeks. {BnUard.) 

In |)roperty. 

Extend the left foretinger in front of the left side, remaining tingers 
and thnmb being closed; then with the extended index make several 
])asses over the back of the left from tip to base. [AliKurol-n I; >S'/(()- 
nIioiii and Hiiiitik I.) 

~ Left hand in front of body, forelinger horizontal {H palm of hand to 
the right), right hand same position excepting to have palm inward, 
stroke the finger of left with foretinger of right from end of the linger to 
the knuckle se\eral times. (('In'iictiuc IL) 

Left hand as in (K) is held about twelve inches in front of the breast, 
and the right hand i^I), forefinger extended, horizontal, palm downw ard, 
the side of the right tinger glided ov(a- the back of the extended left 
foretinger. (Daloffi L) 



200 

The extended forefinger of the left hand is stroked rather rapidly 
two to many times from point to base with tlie extended index of the 
right hand, the motion resembling that of whittling a stick. Sometimes 
the left hand is slightly rotated so as to i)resent dirt'erent jtarts of the 
linger to tlie stroking process. [Mandan und Iliilafsd I.) 

Place tlie point of the extended index \\\Mn the back of the basal 
joint of the middle finger of the left hand. ( Wynndot I.) 

Kuli the extende<l index back and forth over the back of the extended 
forefinger of the left hand from fij) to base. [Kitioivit 1 ; Comanche III ; 
Apiiclic 11: ir/r///7(( 11.) 

Another : Pass the extended index of the right hand alternately along 
the npper and lower sides of the extended forefinger as in whittling 
toward the hand. (Kitioird 1; ('(imanchc III-, Apnche li; Wichita \l.) 

iSame sign as for Agtarlio. >See Tiubai. Signs, (dtmanche II.) 

Enb the back of the left hand itack and forth with the palmar sur- 
face of the extendeil index. {Ute I; Apache I.) 

DciiJ'-iniitc iialiiral sii/ii. — Pass the thumb over the forefinger several 
tinH\s (indicating " money"), next move the open hand from side to side 
once, and, at the same time, shake the head (indicating "no"), and then, 
nodding the head, ])i)int with the forefinger to some person who is jioor. 
(Haseit-stah.) 

Pony. See lIoiX'. 

Powilioii, Chans*''* of. See Ahead. 

PoM<>ieK<<iiou, mine; my |»ro|>erty; To helon;;: to. 

file hand shut and held up to the \ lew. {Diddiar.) 

With the fist, pass n))ward in front of the breast, then push it for- 
ward with a slight jerk. ( H'/«/.) There is no appreciable similarity in 
the execution of the Oto and Missouri 1 sign and that of Wied. The 
concu'ption of the latter is difficult to see. [Rotrler.) It appears to be 
the grasping and dis])lay of |)roperty. 

Toiu:li the breast with the index-finger. (Dodge.) 

Kight iiand closed as tliougli holding something elevated to level of 
and in front of the chin, drawn quickly with a downward curved motion 
toward the neck. {Chei/einie I.) 

IJotli hands clinched about twelve inches before the l)ody, palms in- 
ward, the right about eight inches above the left; both are then forcibly 
pushed toward the ground. (Absaroica 1 ; Shoshoni and Banak I.) 



201 

First make the sijjn for I, personal pronoun, then i)oint to or make 
the sign for the particular article to wliicii referiMice is made, and com- 
plete the sign hy crossing the arms at the wrists, about a foot in front 
of the breast, with hands natural, relaxed (Y), palms inward, u])riniit, 
draw the hands to the body so tliat they will cover the; right and left 
breasts (the right hanil the left breast and the Icl'l iiand tiic right 
bieast). (Dahitu 1.) " Possession — my ])roperty.'' 

Another: First make the sign for I, tirst personal pronoun, and then 
the sign for the i)roperty,if it has one; if not, then tlie i)articular artii^lcs 
constituting the property must be i>ointt'd to. (Ditkntn 1.) •■These 
things are mine." 

Strike tlie i)alins of the liands togctiier, palms inward, and then make 
the sign for Moillt'. I liave MOSlie. (Dublin IV.) 

Tiirow the ciinclicd right liand edgewise toward tlie eartii, lielore and 
as far as the lower part of the body. [I>(tkotti W, Vll.) 

Tlie arms are crossed and the hands loosely collected as in type-posi- 
tion (B), are folded on the chest. (<>t<> <in<l M'lHxouri \.) ''That ])er- 
tains to me." 

Throw the list, edge downward toward the ground. When posses- 
sion is elsewhere, the arm is extended in that direction, and the above 
sign made. (Kaio/ro I; Ajinchr 11: Wichltd Tf; Comioichi- III.) 

Both lists, with palms forward, are held before the body, light above 
left, and forcibly pushed downward a siiort distance, (f^lionlmni und 
Batud- I.) 

J ><'((/■ mute imtKral .v///)(.s. — I'oint to the object owned, and then jioiui 
to the lireast. (BaUnnl.) 

I'oint to something with the foretinger of one hand, and, nod the 
head, then rest the other ojieii hand on ilie breast. (Ilnsciistdh.) 

Slap the breast with the hand, and at the same time open tlie mouth 
as i( to say " My." {Zeif/lcr.) 

Our instrncte<l deaf-mutes press an imaginary object to the breast 
■with the right hand. 

It belongs to me. 



Denfmutc natural signs. — I'oint to the object possessed, and then to 
the bosom, meaning the speaker. {Ballard.) 

First point to the object with tlie foretinger, next rest the forefinger 
on the breast-bone, and then nod the head. {Hasenstah.) 
26 



202 

« 

Point witli the right forefinger as if to point to something, and then 
from the thing to myself. {Zeit/Ier.) 

I liave. 



First make tlie sign for I, personal pronoun, an<l then tlie baeli of 
the right hand which points obliquely upward and toward the left, with 
fingers extended and joined, is carried out from the breast about 
eighteen inches, and placed in the i)ahn of the left, held pointing 
obliquely upward and toward the right, palm upward, fingers extended, 
joined, and tlien both hands drawn in to the body. (Bahttu I.) "Pos- 
session — I have it right here in my hands." 

Place the fists, backs outward, about a foot in front of the navel, the 
right just above the left, then move them straight forward a couple of 
inches. Some ])lace the right a little in advance of the left. (Dakota 
IV.) " Hohling fast to everything." 

Make the signs for I, .Tie, and Have. (Ridatsa I; Arikara I.) 

Deaf-mute natural sigti. — >[ove to and fro the finger several times to 
the breast. {Larson.) 

.Vnotlier lias. 

Pass the right hand (jnickly before the face, as if to say " (lO away,'' 
then make the gesture for iTIiiie. (Wied.) The arms are raised and 
closed over the breast as in the sign for Tliiie. They are then suddenly 
thrown open from the breast toward another person, with the palms out- 
ward. There is no similarity in either execution or concei)tion of this 
sign with that of Wicit ; they ai'e evidently of difierent origin. (Botehr.) 
" Xot mine." 

First jioint to the person who has the article, oi- who has done it, with 
the right index (IW), and then make the sign for Hare it. (Dakota I.) 
"lieverse of I have it." 

Rotate the right hanil, back upward, from side to side, six or eight 
inches, describing an ar<;, fingers separated a littU^, slightly bent, and 
pointing forward; then make the sign for Have. [Dakota IV.) 

Another : Point at the person and then make the sign foi' Have. It 
belongs to him. (Dakota IV.) 

Make the sign for PoM«(eKwioii, Tline, in the direction of tlie per- 
son, or if the person is named and not present, the gesture is made to 
one side. {Dakota VI.) 

Same sign as for His. (Kaiowa I ; Comanche III ; Apachell ; Wichita 



203 

To havo. 

JJoth bauds cliuclied, held edgewise, tlii' rif;'lit about six iudics above 
the left, and struck downward toward tlie grouud as tar as the waist, 
retaiiiinji- the same distance between tlie hands during the whole oftlie 
•testuie. (Hidatsa I ; Arilcara 1.) 

His. 



Indicate the person, and throw the clinched hand edj;t'wise toward 
the ;i;ronnd a short distance (stoi)|)ini;' suddenly as if strikinj;- a resisting 
body), the hand directed towai'd the jierson or his possessions. {Kiiio- 
w(( 1 ; Comanche III; Apache II ; Wichita II.) 

It does not belon"' to me. 



First make the gesture for ^liiie, then wave the right hand (juiekly 
by and in front of the face toward the right. ( Wicil.) 

Kefereiice having- been made to tiie particular article the rest is ex- 
l)ressed by the sign for i\oiie. 1 have iioiie. (Dakota I.) "Not 



DcaJ'-inuti- itatural si(/H,s. — The same sign as It l>eioii$;> lo llie, 

sui>i)lemeiited by a shake of the head. {Ballard.) 

Use the sign for It beloili;'^ to Jlie, at the same time shake the 
head as if to say "Xo." (Zci(/ler.) 

Potato. 

Collect the lingers and thund) of the left hand to a ])oint, hold thcni 
upwai'd before the body (size), then with the fingers and thund) of tlie 
right hand sinnlarly collected, pointing downward, make several motions 
forward and toward the earth (planting), then with the fingers ami 
thund) of the right hand pointing u])ward, curved and separated, make 
a motion upward at arm's length (growth). [Kaioira I; Comanche III: 
Apache II ; Wichita II.) 

Pour, To. 

With the left liand held in front of the stomach to represent kettle, 
bucket, ((•<■. ; then the right hand held (A) to the right, and below the 
left hand, makes the sign for C'ii|»,and is so carrieil over the stationary 
left, and turned uj) as though i)ouring its contents into the left. {Da- 
kota 1.) "Dipping of water with a cu]) to fill a bucket." 

Prairie. See Plain. 

Praise. 

Italian sign. — The forefinger raised, inasmuch as to say a thing is to 
be extolled to the skies. {Butler.} 



204 

Pray. I pray you. 

The palm of tlic hand is lield toward the i)ersoii or persons addressed. 
Sometimes hoth liands nn' so held. The Omaha and I'onka Indians say 
" wi-bdha-ha"," I pray to you, I petition you; or " wi-bdhi-stabe," J 
smooth i/ov down icith the hand. In praying to the sun the hand is ele- 
vated and held with the palm u]>. 8ay (Long's Exped., i, .'58-1) gives the 
meaning, ■4.3 : " Be quiet, or be not alarmed, or have patience." [Oma- 
ha I ; Ponlm I.) " Soothing." 

With the face inclined upward, eyes looking toward the heaveiis, both 
hands are brought together from their natural positions at the sides of 
the body, describing a considerable sweep in front of the face or above 
or below it, with palmar .surfaces looking toward each other, upright, 
tingers extended, thumbs inward (T); then the body and hands are 
lowered toward the ground (nearly our kneeling), with eyes looking up- 
ward. (Dakota I.) "This is much the same as with civilized people." 

The countenance i)lacid and turned upward, the arms elevated, and 
with oj)ened palms the hands vibrate ami diverge to and from the 
l)ody in imitation of an aiigel Hying and in execution of the sign for 
Deity. Tlic hand now assumes position (K), and the senii-exteinled 
index-tinger points in successive Jerk.s from the mouth upward, a rude 
imitation of the sign for Talk. (Oto and Mkmnri \.) "Speaking to 
the Winged-one above." 

Deaf-mute natural sk/n. — (Jlasj) the hands across each other, shut the 
eyes, and move the lips rapidly. {Ballard.) 

Prayer. 

If the flat hand is pres.sed to the lips, and thence moved upward to 
the heavens, it indicates a i)rayer or address to Deity. (OJibira I.) 

Elevate one hand high toward the sky, spread hands opposite face. 
l)alms up and backward (X). {Apachelll.) " Keference to God — desire 
to I'eceive. 

Pre$;'iiaiic-y. 

Pantominiically expressed by passing both hands, slightly arched, 
palms towanl tlie body, from the ]nibis in acairve upward and in toward 
the pit of the stomach. ( Ute I.) " Corresponds to the rotundity of the 
abdomen." 

Prelly. See also (^ood and Haiidwoiue. 

The tingers and thund>, so oi)posed as to form a curve, are passed over 
the face, nearly touching it, from the forehead to the chin ; then add the 
sign for (liood. {Loiui.) 

Another : Curve the foretiuger of the right hand, and jdace the tip on 
the ridge of the nose between the eyes, so as to represent a high Roman 



205 

nose; then bring down tlic liaiid in a cnrviliMcar niaimcr, until tlie wrist 
tonclie.s tlie breast ; after wliicli add tlie sign for <;oo(l. (l^otu/.) 

I'ass the extended liand (rigid usually), lingers joined, palm toward 
the body, in a earessing or stroking nianner. vertically downward in 
front of, and thence horizontally from, the body, in immediate juxtapo- 
sition to the faee or that pait of tlie person desiicd to be indicated. 
{Arapalio I.) 

Same as lflail<l<>uill('. (Dakoln I.) 

The same sign as for <hOO<I. ( PhI.oIh IV.) 

Iha/mutv imtiinil si<jii.—Aiv\i the eyt'brows and smack the lips. (/>'«/• 
lard.) 

Privet. 

Itidiiin sujn. — The palms laid together before the breast and the eyes 
fixed either on heaven oi earth. (JlKtIcr.) 

Pi'i!«Oll«'l'. (Comi)are In, Wifliiii.) 

The foretinger and thumb of the lelt hand are held in the form of a 
semicircle, opening toward and near the breast, and the foretinger of 
the right representing the ])risoner, is jdaced njirighf within the enrve, 
and jiasseil from one side to another, in order to show that it will not be 
jiermitted to i)ass out. (Loikj.) 

Higufor Take prisoner made, and the hands clinched and crossed 
back to back as though bound tightly, (('hriifiinc \.) "'J'akeu and 
bound." 

("ross the wrists a foot in tiont of the neck, hands closed, backs for- 
ward. {Ihikotu IV.) '-Tied." 

Same as the sign tor Capture, with the adilition of the sign for 
Yon or I when a present indi\idual is concerned. (Olo tniil Misxniiri I.) 
"To seize when in battle." 

IJotli hands clinched, the right laid transversely across the lett at the 
wrists. {Wi/dHdnt I.) "Tied arms." 

Make the sign for ICallle ; then with the right grasp an imaginary 
l)ersou from the right side, extend both forefingers towaid the ground, 
the remaining fing(>rs and thumbs closed ; ])lace them side by side and 
move them toward the left. (Apache I.) " One grasped in battle and 
led away by the cajjtor." 

Deaf-mute naturni sif/ii. — Place the lingers of one hand upon those of 
the other, indicating the cross-bars of a jail, and then ])oiut with the 
forefinger to some pcr.son who is pnt in .jail. (HasfHstab.) 



206 

Italian .s(V/h,v.— The vulf^arism "to look between bars" for to be in 
prison corresponds to the gesture whicii is made by crossing the fingers 
of botb liands before the eyes so as to make a checkered grate, or by 
covering tlie eyes with tlie fingers of one hand drawn apart. (Butler.) 

Specifically for captive. 



The arms hanging down and wrists together or crossed. {Butler.) 
To .take. 



Both hands, lingers slightly hooked, thniiili lying against forefinger, 
sudde'nly thrust forward to the left and Jerked back (piickly toward the 
body. {Vliei/riuie I.) 

The left hand held about IS inches in front of the left breast, obli(|nely 
upward, edge of fingers outward (IJ -), is tpxickly seized around the 
wrist by the right hand, jjassed from in front of the right breast, back 
upward, and drawn rapidly in toward and near the left breast. {DaJwtn 
I.) " He is come; I haAc taken him ; leading him cai)tive." 

Both arms are flexed before breast, and hands made to execute the 
sign for fight; the left arm then, semiextended, is left a second; then 
siezed at wrist by the right hand in type i)osition (Cr); palms of l)oth 
face the ground. {Oto I.) "One taken in fight or misconduct." 

Properly. See PoMKCKMioii. 

Priideiil or Caul ioiim. (Compare D:iii$;'er.) 

Hold right hand in front of right breast or partly to the right side 
and lower down, palm down, gently move it up and down two or three 
times, then hold it still a few moments, and gently depress the hand, 
with slight bow of the head to right (Ojibwn IV.) 

See I>aiis;'ei*. FrKcleitt, cautious, are not the opposite of fool. (]>a- 
htta I.) • 

Place the tips of the extended fingers against the temples, then point 
them upward, the eyes following the same direction. " Superior Judg- 
ment." ( Wyandot I.) 

Piircli:»<>ie. See Trade. 

Put il l>ark. See Let alone. 

<liiaiitity, lar$;e; many; niiicli; number. 

The flat of the right hand patting the back of the left hand, which is 
repeated in proportion to the greater or lesser quantity. {Dunbar.) 
Simi)le I'eiietition. 

Tlie hands and arms an; passed in a curvilinear direction outward and 
downwaid, as if showing the form of a large globe; theu the bands 



207 

arc ('loscd and elexated, as if soinetliiii.n- was grasix-d in each hand 
and lu'ld np alK)iit as liijjli as tlie face. [Loikj.) 

IJriiifi' tlic bands up in front of tiic liod.v witli tlie tingers carefully 
kept distinct. [Cheyenne siyu. liejjort of Lieut. J. W. Ahert. toe. oit., 
]K 4;il.) 

Both hands closed, lirouji'it up in a curved motion toward eacli othei- 
to the level of the neck or cliin. {('Iict/emie 1.) 

Clutch at the air several times witii lioth hands. The motion .ureatly 
resembles those of danseuses ])layiiij;- the castanets. [OjUinut 1.) 

Many. 

A simultaneous movement of both iiands. as if ;;atheiiri};- or iieajunf;' 
up. {Arnpahii \.) Litci'ally " a heap." 

IJoth hands, with spread and slii;litly < iirved fingers, are held [KMidcnt 
aliont two feet apart l)efore the thighs: then di'aw them toward one 
anotlier, horizontally, drawing tliem upward as they come together. 
(Al)f<(in>l:ii I: SIio.sli(>ni ant] Jliniid: 1; Kaiitint I: Coinitnchc 111; Apuelie 
II: ^\'i(■Ilit(l II.) "An accumulatoin of objects." 

Iiands about IS inches t'rom the ground in front and about Ilic same 
distance apart, held scoop-fashion, |ialms looking toward each other, 
separated fingers, etc. ; then, with a di\ ing moiion, as if sco(»ping uj) corn 
from the ground, bring the hamls nearly together, with lingers nearly 
chised, as though holding the corn, and I'arry upward to the iieigiit of 
the breast, where the hands are turuc<l o\-er, lingers ]iointing downward, 
.se]>arated, as though the contents were allowed to drop to the ground. 
(Ihd-ota 1.) 

Open the tingers of both hands, and hold tlic two Iiands before the 
breast, with the tingers upward and a little ai)art, ami the palms turned 
toward each other, as if grasping a iiumbei' of things. [Ifoqiiois 1.) 

riace the hands on either side of au<l as high as the head, then open 
and close the tingers rajudly four or ti\e tinu's. ( Wnaudot I.) " Count- 
ing ' tens ■ an indefinite number of times. " 

Deuf-nnite natural xit/ns. — I'uf the lingers of the two hands together, 
tip to tip, and rub them with a lapid motion, (liallard.) 

Make a rai)id movement of the lingers and thumbs of both hands 
upward and downward, and at the sanu- tinu', cause both lips to touch 
each other in rapid succession, and both eyes to be half o]»i'ued. {]fas- 
ennlah.) 

Move the tingers of both hands forward and backward. {Zv'ujler.) 



208 

Horses. 

Kaise the right arm above the liead, palQi forward, and thrust for- 
ward forcibly on a line witli the shoulder. [OuKiha I.) 

Persons. 



Take u[) a bunch of grass or a clod of earth ; place it in the hand of 
the person addressed, who looks down npon it. {Omalid I.) "Repre- 
sents as many or more than the particles contained in the mass." 

Hands and Hngers interlaced. (Macgowan.) 
Much. 



Move both hands toward one another and slightly upward. ( Wicd.) 
1 have seen this sign, but I think it is used only for articles that may be 
piled on the ground or formed into a heai>. The sign most in use for the 
general idea of much or iiiaiii/ 1 Irave given yon before. (Mattlwirn.) 

Both hands flat aud extended, i)laced before the breast, hnger-tii)s 
touching, i)alms down ; then se])aiate them by passing outward and 
downward as if smoothing the outer surface of a globe. (AbfiaroJca 1 ) 
Slioshoni and Banak 1 ; Kaiowul ; Comanche 111 ; Apache II ; ]yichUa TI.; 
"A hea])." 

ITIiicli is included in xTlailjor Big', as the case may require. (Da- 
kota I.) 

The liands, witli tingers widt^ly separated, slightly bent, pointing for- 
ward, and backs outward, are to be rapidly a]>proxiinated through down- 
ward curves, from positions twelve to thirty-six inches apart, at the 
height of the navel, and quickly closed. Or the hands may be moved 
until the right is above the left. (Dakota IV.) "So much that it has 
to be gathei'ed with both hands." 

Both hands aud arms are partly extended ; each hand is then made to 
describe, simultaneously with the other,*from the head downward, the 
arc of a circle curving outwards. This is used for l^avife in some 
senses. (Mandan and Hidatsa 1.) 

Hands ojkmi, palms turned in, held about three feet apart, and about 
two fet^t from the ground, liaise thc^m about a foot, then bring in an 
upward ciu-ve toward each other. As they pass each other, palms down; 
the right hand is about three inches above the left. (Omaha I.) 

Place both hands flat and extended, tluunbs touching, jtalnis down- 
ward, in front of aud as high as the face ; then move them outward and 



209 

downwaid a short distaiue towwanl tlicir ic.s])('cti\ c sides, tliiis dcscrih- 
mp: the n]>per half of a ciicle. ( Wyamlot I.) "A heap." 

Sweep out both hands as if iiidosiii^- a hirge. object; wave the liands 
forward and soniewiiat upward. {Apiiche III.) " Snjigestiii.n' immensity." 

And lieavy. 

Simihir to lYInii, except wlicn liands aic raised close the lists, backs 
of hands down, as if liftinj^ soMU'lhinj;' heaxy; (hen mo\ e a short dis- 
tance u|) and down several times. (OlIKlIlK I.) 

Plenty. 

Kaise the arms above the head, tinkers interlaced to represent tlic 
lodge poles, separate and brinji to.uetiier aj;ain. {Oiiuilta I.) '' Vou see 
how I sit in a lar;;*' Iodide and how comforlabh- 1 am." 

Auother: Same as the i)recedini;', then brini; open hands ioL;cilier in 
front, palms down, extended : separate the hands to their resjiective 
sides. {Omaha 1.) " 1 am .sittinji' in a- good lodge, or have a good tent- 
fire here." , ' 

Another: llight arm curved Inirizonlally, with the tips of the fingers 
toward the bi'east ; then slightly extend the arm and desci-ibe a circle 
by returning the hand and passing it inward past the breast toward the 
right shoulder. [OiiKtliti I.) -'A man has ]ilcuty in his tent ; or I ha\(! 
plenty arounil here." 

Ik'dfmute natural h'xju. — Stretch the left arm at full length, and move 
the foretlnger of the right hand along it to (he shoulder. (liallanl.) 

Question: iiiqitiry; DiiBlei*i'<>;::itioii. (('om]iarc Fool : lii- 
(leci!>iioBi. 

The ]>alm of the hand upward and carried circularl.Nontward, and 
deiiressed. ( Itinilxir.) 

The baud held up with the thumli near the face, and the palm directed 
toward the jjerson of whom the in(|uiry is made; then rotated u|)on 
the wrist two or three times edgewise, to denot<^ un('ertaiuty. [Lonij.) 
The motion might be mistaken tor The derisive, vulgar gesture called 
"taking a sight," "dounernn jiied de n<v,," descending to our small boys 
from auti(iuity. The sej)arate motion of the tingers in the vulgar gest- 
ure as used in our eastern cities is, howc\cr, mor(^ nearl\ corrcIat<'d with 
some of the Indian signs for Fool. It may be uote(l tliat the Latin 
"sagax," from which is derived "sagacity," was chiefly used to denote 
the keen sceut of dogs, so there is a relation established between the 
uasal organ and wisdom or its absence, and that "suspendere uaso" 
was a classic phra.se for hoaxing. The Italian expressions " icstare con 
27 



210 

nil paliuo di iiaso," " cou tauto di iiaso," etc., iiien'ioiied by the Canon 
De Jokio, refer to the same vnlgar gesture in wliieh the face is sup- 
posed to be tlirust forward sillily. 

Extend the open hand i)er[)endi(;ularly with the i)ahn outward, and 
move it from side to side several times. ( Wied.) Thi.> sign is still used. 
For " outward," however, I wHiuId substitute " forward." The hand is 
usually, but not always, held before the face. {Matthews.) 

Kiglit hand, lingers pointing u|)ward, i)alin outward, elevated to the 
level of the shoulder, extended toward the person addressed, and slightly 
shaken from side to side. {Cheiienne I.) 

]>e(\f-mutc u'tiiiml sit/n. — A quick motion of the lips with an inquir- 
ing look. (I>((lhn-(l.) 

Aitstraliiin .v/r/H. — ( )ne is a sort of note of interrogation. For instance, 
if I were to meet a native and nuike the sign: hand tlat, fingers and 
thumb extended, the two middle tingers toucliing, the two outer slightly 
separated from the middle by turning the hand palm U])ward as I met 
meet him, it would mean: "Where are you going?" In other words I 
should say ^' Miiiini .'" (what name ?). {Snii/th.) 

Has he '^ 

Jkaf-mute natural .svV/n. — Move to and fro the linger several times 
toward the pei'son spoken of. (Larson.) 

Have vou ? 



Deaf-mute natural si(in. — Move the finger to and fro several times 
toward the person to whom the one is speaking. [Larson.) 

When ? 



With its index extended and i)ointing forward, back upward, rotate 
the right hand several tiiues to the right and left, describing an arc 
with the im'ex. (Ihd-ota IV.) 

Are vou ? 



Deaf-mute natural siyns. — Point to the person spoken to and slightly 
nod the head, with an inquiring look. {Ballard.) 

Point with the forefinger, as if to i)oint toward tlie second person, at 
the sanie time nod the head as if to say "yes." {Zeiijler.) 

Quick, Quickly. 

Same motion and position as j^ooii, arm slightly more raised and 
moved out faster and thrown back more rapidly by a quick motion, 
(Ojibwa IV.) 



211 

Both hands should be phiced horizontal, i)ahiis npward, pointing for- 
ward, about tiirce inches apart in front of tlie h)\vor part of tlic chest, 
and then quickly raistnl al)out eij;iit inclies, at tlu; same tiuic siiaking 
them a little from side to side. [Ihikotn VI.) " idea of lightues.s, and 
therefore (piick motion." 

Quiet, be ; be not alarmed ; liave i>atience. 

The pahu of tlie hand is iield toward the person. This is also the 

sign for <S'io-(y;;r/(c. (Loikj.) 

Place tlie foretinger or the hand oxer tiic moutii. (Anijudio I.) 

Tlie rigid ]i:iiid witli pahii downward, liorizoiital, llat. tiiigcrs ex- 
tended and pointing forward {W) biought to tlie front median line of 
body, and aliout a foot from it. and tiieii carried on the same k'vel to tlie 
right side of the body, where t wo or three (|iiick iipw aid and downward 
movements of the hand :ind arm complete the sign. ( IhiLotii i.) '" Sit 
down ; be (inlet. " 

Dcaf-niKtc ndtiinil nif/nn. — Hold the hand still in the air. (Ilallanl.) 

Fold the arms. (A«r.so«.) 

Patience. 



The open tiat right hand is laid, back outward, over tlie left breast, and 
then both hands, with tingerse.\tende(l, sei)arated, and somewhat curved, 
are held horizontally, with palmar surfaces looking toward one another, 
a few inclies apart, in front of the liody (P, turned horizontally) (this 
is E.rpKHded^lanjf); and then the hands are closed (lists B) and i)assed 
slowly over one another with a slight siiaking or tremulous motion of 
the hands and arms. (Dako'd I.) "A (large) patient, enduring heart." 

Rattbit. See also Hare. 

The fore and little tiuger of the right hand are extended, representing 
the ears of the animal ; the hand is then liobhed forward to show the 
leaping motion of the animal. (Loiu/.) 

Rain. (Compare ^now and Ileal. ) 

Begin with the sign of Water, then raise the hands even with the 
forehead, extending the lingers outward, and give a shaking motion as 
if to represent tlie drip])ing of water. (Ihoibar.) 

Tlie sign for Water precedes that for Siion'. (Lou;/.) 

Scatter the lingers downward. The saiiu^ sign denotes Hilton'. 
{Burtdii.) 

Imitate its fall with the hand, palm down, partially closed, lingers 
separated and pointing downward; then move the hand in a direct 
cours(> toward the ground. (Arapaho I.) 



212 

Botli hands, fingers aud thninhs drooping, held to the level of the 
head; fingers slowly closed and opened, and motion downward made, 
as though flirting water from the ends of the fingers. (Cheyenne J.) 

Carry both hands over the head, with fingers separated, cnrved down- 
ward (Q), palms inward, then nialie a sloping downwiird movement with 
the hands. Hexing and extending all the fingers slightly aud with con- 
siderable rapidity, as nearly as possible in imitation of the drops of rain 
falling on the face and body. (Dalotn I.) '• From the falling of rain." 

Suspend the hands about a foot in front of the shonlders, backs for- 
ward, fingers separated and bent a little and pointing downward, and 
shake the fingers, or approximate and separate their ends once or several 
times. Some, each time wliile separating the ends of the fingers, throw 
the hands downward about eight inches. {Dahtta IV.) 

Hold the right hand penilent, witii fingers separated and i)ointing 
downward, before the right side and on a level with the liead ; then 
thrust it downward and back to its first position, repeating the move- 
ment two or three times. [Dakola V, \'[ ; Hulaim I; Arihtra \.) 

The hand is held <ni a level with the top of the head, fingers separated 
and pendent; it is then moxcd downward rapidly a few inches and 
suddenly arrested. It may be restored to its original jiosition and the 
motion may l)e re])eated once oroftener. {Mandan and Hidatfia I.) 

Both hands held to either side and in front of the head, palms down, 
fingers pendent aud separated ; then move the hands downwartl and 
back again, repeating several times. ( Wyandot I.) 

Raise right hantl in front of breast, say fifteen inches from body, back 
upward, fingers hanging down (P 1, with fingers hanging down, hand 
horizontal), then make motion as though sprinkling water, moving hand 
up and down from wrist out. [Sfihapiin I.) "Sprinkling water." 

Hold the right hand in front of the side of the head, palm down, fin- 
gers pendent and se])arated; then move the hand up and down a short 
distance several times. ( Ute I.) 

Hold the right hand in front of or to one side of the tace, palm dow-n, 
fingers pendent and separated ; then nu)ve the hand downward and 
back to its original position, several times, most of tiie movement being 
at the wrist. For a very heavy rain both hands are similarly employed, 
but with a more vigorous motion. {Apache I.) 

Deaf-mute natural signs. — An up-and-down motion of the extended 
fingers. {Ballard.) 

First, point out in some direction; next, move the open hand down 
fast and up slowly, successively, and then nod the head. {Husenstub.) 



213 

Move till' tiiiui'is n])\v;ir(l and dowiiwanl. {Larson.) 
Diiz/.Iiiiji. 



I'laco tilt' closfd Iiaiid at the lieiglit of tlic face, i)alin down, leaving 
tlie index pointing; downward and a little toward the left, tlien iriove 
the Iiand up and down several limes. {Apavlir I.) 

R a ill bo IV. 

The iii;lit hand witli indextini;er only extended, and ])ointini;' nin-iffht 
(J), is eanied from lelt to rii;ht in front of the liead, on a enrve, and 
then downward toward the liorizon with a i^radnaliy (h'creasinji' spiral 
motion, until linall\, without tliis motion, iiand earriec! on downward, 
with tinker jiointini; ni)ward. [Ihikofa I.) "To go across the heavens 
wrapped willi ditferent eoloi-s." 

R:ikIi, or ra^ilily. 

Indicate t)>' (]nick, nnstcadv motion of hands and liody, auitate both 
hands and liody, nio\e hands (puckly to lelt in front and to right, 
palms down, with jciking motions nji and down, most \iolently down- 
ward, liead shaken a little. (Ojihici l^'.) 

Rei'eiatly. .Ser Tieaie, RrrejitSy. 

Relalioia^liip. 

Aunt (maternal). 

_Aiake the signs foi- TloShei", KiTi* (to the right), Brollifr and 
Sistt'8% and ^liMSSail. {ludotra I; VoiiKiiiche ill; Apache II; 
Wichita II.) 

Annt (pati'rnal). 

JIake the signs for Fallier, Hefjx (to the light), ISrodit-r and 
Siwtcr, and Woman. {Kai<in-a I; Comanche III; Apache II; 
I17(/((7(( II.) 

IJrother, sister: brother and sister. 



The sign for i?Iai6 (and for sister, of a woman) succeeded by jdacing 
the ends of the fore and middle lingers of one hand together in the 
uiouth. (Loii</.) 

The two first tinger-ti])s are jint into the mouth, denoting that they 
fed from the same breast. [Jiiirtoii.) 

riace the fore and middle lingers in the mouth, thus implying nursing 
at the breast \)\ a common mother. (Arapuho I.) 

Ti])s of the fore anil middle fingers of the right hand jilaced b(>tween 
nostrils and mouth; brought with a sudden curved motion forward, 
outward, and obliquely to the right ex])resses relationship between 



214 

cliildren of same father and mothei-; must be preceded by the sign for 
ITEan or Woman, to specify brother or sister. [Cheyenne I.) 

Put tlie tips of tlie fore and se(!ond finf^ers of either hand between 
the teeth. {ISac, Fo.r, and Kkhapoo I.) " Two persons sucking one 
breast." 

First and second finj;ers of riylit liand extended (l\f ), placed obliquely, 
backs outward, on the lips, or their tips in the mouth. (Dakuta I.) 
" ^ourishuunit from the same breast." 

Place the ti])S of the extended fore and middle fingers of the right 
hand between or against the li[)s, and afterward draw them forward 
about a foot, the other lingers to be closed and the back of the hand 
upward ; then make the first part of the sign for ])nian, i. e., the index 
horizontally in front of the pri\ates. Sister: The same as for brother, 
but instead of the sign for man use the sign for woman after drawing 
the fingers from the mouth. {Ihd-ofa IV.) '' Sucking the same breast." 

Another: With the right hand closed, leave the index and second 
fingers extended, palm down; place the tips near the mouth and jerk 
them forward about six im-lies. [JhtkotaXl.) " We deiived nourish- 
ment from the same breast." 

Pring the right hand to the lips, touching them with the index and 
middle fingers. [Omaha I.) "To suck from the sauie breast." Ob- 
tained trom J. La Fleche, as a Fuui and Omaha sign. 

Thrust the first lingers into the mouth. [Omaha I.) 

The left arm is semi extended, with hand in position (Jl), modified 
by being held horizontal outward and index extended ; the right arm, 
hand and linger now assume the same position above and behind left. 
Now, the right index is brought aside of left, each extended parallel. 
Finally the right index is brought to point to the cardiac region. ( Oto I.) 
"Two separate births, alike in appearance and at heart." 

Thrust the index and second lingers into the mouth. [Ponha I.) "We 
two suckeil from the saiue breast." 

Brother (said by male). 

Bnng the left ariu and hand to the left breast, as if in embracing. 
( Wyandot I.) 

Profiler (said i)V sister or other brother). 



Make the sign for Itrotiiei* and Sioitcr, followed by that for JTIau. 
[Kaioical; Comanche III ; Apache II ; Wichita 11.) 



215 

Extend tlie first two tiin>('is of tlio rifjlit li;iii<l; I)nii<;- the li;nul, with 
fingers thus extended, opposite the nioiitli; tiieii jilace tliese two fiiif;ers 
between the lips. {Comanvhe I.) " Botli look noiinshnient froni the 
same breast.'' 

liiylit-liand fingers and tliunib elosed; Ijringin Iront oftlie riglit side, 
extending and separating the tore and second fingers, wliicji are slowly 
brought together so as to lie .side by side. {J'di-Ulc I.) 

Both hands elosed, forefingers extended: bring tiieiu together, veiti- 
eally, in front of the liody. with file palms forwaid. (I'ai-i'tc I.) 

Place the first two fingers of tlie riglil iiand between the liiis. {Wi- 
chita I.) 

lirother's daughttr. 

Make the signs for llrotlica*, Woaiiaii. ami Koris (<piickiy or 
continuously, with termination of last sign to tlie right of tiie body). 
[Ddhitn VI.) 

— : IJrother's son. 



Make the signs for Bi'Othei*. .YBaii, and Itoi'ii (to tlie rigiit side 
of the body, and quickly after or continuously with termination of gest- 
ure for iTIail). (fhil-ota VI.) 

P.rother'.s wife. 



i\Iake the .signs for Brother, .TIaii, %%'oiiiaii, and l*o<>i<>i«-<>«iioii 

(Hi!«). {Dakota \\.) 

^lake the signs for lly, Krollioi- iltrodicr and SisliT and 
Man), His (made to the right), !*ianio or similar, and W^oiiian. 

{Kaioira\; Comanche III ; A2>achc II: Wichita II.) 

IJrother and sister. 

With the right hand closed, lea\ ing the index and second tinger.s 
extended and slightly bent, bring the hand before the chin, palm down, 
finger tijis nearly touching the mouth; then draw them downward and 
forward. This sign is made when the person alluded to is present, and 
has been referred to by either ])ersoii, or an incpiirer. (Kaiowa I; Co- 
manche 111; Apache II: Wichita II.) "Nursed from the same breast." 

The first phalanges of the first and second fingers are placed between 
the lips and then withdrawn. This re|)resents somewhat faidtily that 
both have been uouri.shed from the same source. The sign is for com- 
mon gender. Masculine or feminine may afterward be indicated by the 
appi((])riate signs. (Mandan and Hidataa I.) 

Brother and sister (said by female). 



Indicate the individual, then grasp the tip of the forefinger with the 
thumb and in3ex. (Wyandot I.) 



216 



DaufirJiter. 



Make the same sign as for Cfirl ; then indicate rarenf or Possexsinn 
by pointiujj to the persou, or la,> iny- the index vertically af;ainst the 
breast or pointing' to it. {Absarola I ; Shoshoiii and Banak I.) 

First make the sign for Ofl'<>i»i'iiii^', then designate ^(/e as described 
in the sign for Child, and coniplctc by the sign for Woiiinii. {T>a- 
Tiota I.) 

Make the signs for Birth and ^Voiliaii. [Kniona I; Comanche 
III; Apache II; Wiviatall.) 

Deaf-mutt' natural sii/n. — I'oint tlie finger to the ear (becanse of the 
ear-rings) and then jiiit down the hand, when naturally stretched ont, to 
the knee. (Larson.) 

Daughter's daughter. 

Make the signs for Woman nnd Brother (Sister), Born (to 
the riglit of the body), and ^Voinan. {Dakota VI.) 

Dauiiliter's son. 



Make the signs for W^onian and Brother (Sister), Born, and 

JTIan, both off from the right side of tlie body. {Dakota VI.) 



Family, meud)ers of one. 



Grasp the tip of the forettuger with the thumb and fingers of the right 
hand. When more fingers are used than the index thumb, it indicates 
more inibvidnals. ( Wyandot I.) 

-: Father, mother (parents). 



The same sign of issue from tlie loins as OtiN|»rin^', with additions: 
e. g., for ITIother, give I or Ifly, next Woman, and then the sym- 
bol of parentage. For tiiraiKlmitther add to the end clasped hands, 
closed eyes, and like an old woman's l)ent back. {Unrton.) 

With the right hand pretend to grasp the right breast with the ex- 
tended fingers and thumb; then drawtlieui outward about twelve inches 
Compare Parentaarc* {Ahsaroka I; tSlioshoni and Hanak I.) 

Th(^ right hand, witli Augers arched, sei)arated tijjs, i)ointing inward 
toward the abdomen, is carried in and out two or three times with a sort 
of grabbing motion. {Dakota I.) " Part of the same body." 

After making the sign in front of the privates for ]TIan, make the 
sign for ^llother. {Dakota IV.) 

Another: Touch the right or left breast with the joined ends of the 
fingers of the right hand, and tlien make the motion in front of the right 
breast with the list as for Old man. {Dakota IV.) 



21T 

Same sign as for Parent. {Dakoia VI ; Wyandot I.) 

Collect the fingers and tluinil) of the right hand to a ])oint or nearly 
so, and pretend to grasj) the breast, and draw the liand forward al)ont 
eight inches. {Kaiomil; Comanche III; ApricliclY; ]Viihila II.) 

Deaf-muie natural sij/ns. —Vlofiv the liand while tiie thiiiiilt is still uj) 
and then rest the thiiiiili on the li|>s. (Ila.scnstah.) 

Move the foretinger along the Jaws — liecanst' of the licaid. (Larsun.) 

Father's brother. 

Make the signs for PaiM'llf (Father). PowM'i«Mioil (Hi)*) (to the 
light), JTIan, and ISrotlirr. 

Fafher's father. 

Make the signs for ;?lj-. Father, Over, and Father. Some- 
times, forillnstrating more clearly, the sign for As'e<l '■■* added. (A''/i'- 
owal; CiimaHclic III; Apache 11; Wichita II.) 

Father's mother. 



Make the signs for illy, llother (parent and woman). Over, and 
mother. {Kaioica 1; ('omanclic III; A jmchc II; Wichit(( II.) 

Father's sister. 



Make the signs for Parent (lather), P«MMe!s<>>ioii (llif*), IMan 

(to the right), and "Sifter. (Dakota VI.) 

( Irandfather. 



Make the signs for Parent, Time lon^' a;:o, Ase<l :>"<1 Born. 
(Ihikota VI.) 

■ Grandmother. 



Ends of tingers of both hands touching the i)re{isls on their rcsjiective 
sides, (this is mother), tht>n make tlic sign for AVonian. by drawing 
the hand downward at the right side of the head as tliougli jiassing a. 
comb throngli the long hair, and then comiilete by the sign lor Old, by 
describing with the right hand in front of the right side of tiie body 
part of a circle after the manner of nsing a cane for siipjiort in walk 
iug. {Dalcota I.) "Denotes an ageil person. Decrepit age dependent 
on a staft'." 

Make the signs for Parent, ^Vonian, Time long aso, .\{;e«l 

and Born. (Dakota VI.) 

Husband. 



Sign for Companion, (Dakota I.) "United." 
28 



218 



Iliisbaiid (said by wife). 



Make the sign for Same, followed by that for ITIan. {Kaioicn I; 
Comanche ll[; Apache II; Wichita II.) 

Mother. 



Touch the breast and phiee the forefinger in the niontli. (Ara2)aho I.) 

Eighthand lingers and thumb elosed inward as though dasping 
breast (niamnue) and <ba\vn outward three or four times. (Cheyennel.) 

Make the sign for Fatlier, folhiwed by that for Woman. (Ahm- 
roka I; Shoxhoni and lianak I.) '' Woman parent." 

From a foot in front of the riglit or left i)reast, move the right hand, 
its |)ahn backward and its lingers semitlexed and spread, near to the 
breast, and after bringing the ends of the lingers together, move the 
hand forward again and half open the fingers and spread them. Make 
these motions two or three times, somewhat rapidly. [Daliota IV.) "In 
imitation of sucking the breast." 

Ends of the fingers of both hands (S) touching tlie breasts of their 
respective sides. {Dalota I.) "Indicating the maniinie — one who has 
nursed a child." 

Make the signs for Parent and Woman. {Dakota VI; Wyandot 
I; Euioival; Comanche ill; Ajiachell; Wichita II.) 

Deaf mute natural sipn. — Close the hand except the little finger and 
then rest the finger on the li|)s. {Hascnstab.) 

Mother's brother. 



Make the signs for Woman and Parent (mother), Poisisewvion 

(Hers) (to the right), i?Ian, and Brother. '{Dakota VI.) 

Mother's father. 



Make the signs for My, ITIotlier, Over, and Father. {Kaiowa 
I; Comanche III; A2}ache 11; Wichita II.) 

Jlother's mother. 



Make the signs for ]TIy, Mother, Over, and Motlier. {Kaiowa 
1; Comanche III; Apache II; Wichita II.) 

Mother's sister. 



Make the signs for Woman and Parent (mother). Possession 
(Hers) (to the right), and »^ister. {Dakota VI.) 

Nephew (brother's .son). 



Make the signs for My, Brother, His, Born, and Woman. 

{Kaiowa I; Comnnche III; Apache II; Wichita II.) 



219 



Xopliew (sister's son). 



Make tlie sij;iis for :tly, !Si<>itei% Hei'M, Born, and Han. The 

siirns lor Het-K, Born, and Man, are made to tlie rifilit of the body, 
nearly at arm's length, as hclonjiiiiK to anotlier. (Kuioica 1; Comiinche 
III; Apache II; Wichita 11). 

Niece (brother's danjihtcr). 



Mai<e tlie signs for My, Itrotlu'r, Hi*., ICorii, ami \Voni.in. 

{Kaioiral; Comanche 11 \ AjiachcW; Wichita I \.) 

Niece (sister's dangliter). 



Make the signs for My, Ni'*!*'!', Hei*<>i, Itorn, and Yl^oinan. 

The signs for Hon and Jloni arc made to tlic liglil of the bo(l\ ncaily 
at arm's length, as belonging to anotlier; although the sign most be 
made at the speaker's head, the sign is nnderstood as referiing to the 
preceding signs. {Kaiowa I ; Comanche III; Apache 11 ; Wichita 11.) 

Sister. 

Sign for Brollici*. and, if necessary to distinguish gender, add that 
for !^4jignn'. (Arapaho I.) 

Same sign as for Brother, e\cc])t designation of the sex. (DnJiota 
I.) " NVe are from the same biother." 

Make the signs for ^Voiii.'iii and Brollicr. (Dakota VI.) 

Sister. 



The right arm is ticxed njiward, and hand, in position {]% 1 ), modified 
by fingers being ai»proxiiiiated. is then apiiroached to the moutli and 
ends of fingers ai)]iidxiiiiated and inserted between lijis; the hand is 
then withdrawn, and the index finger, extended, points to the cardiac 
region; the hands are tlien collected, as in type (A), and held in mam- 
mary region. {Oto 1.) '-A temale dear to my heart and lijis." 

Pass the flat right hand, ]ialiii toward the body, from the imbis down- 
ward, forward and upward, then elevate tlie first two fingers of the right 
hand. {VteJ.) 

l>ea/ mntc natural nie/n. — An uninstrncted deaf mute, as related by Mr. 
Denison, of the Colnmbian Institntioii, invented, to express tSixter, first 
the sign for Ffiiinie, ma<le by the half-chised hands, with the ends of 
fingers touching the breasts, followed li\' the imU'x in the month. 



Sister (.said by brother or other sister) 



Bring the left arm and hand to the left breast, as if in an embrace, 
then elevate the forefinger. [Wj/andot I.) 

Make the sign for Brotlier and Sisler, followed by tliat for 
\%'oilian. (Kaioica I; Comanche III; Apache 11; Wichita II.) 



220 



Sister's daugliter. 



Make the sigus for 1%^oiliaii ami Brother (sister), IVoiiiaii 

aud Born (to the right side of the body) in a coTitinuous iiiovenient. 
{Dakota VI.) 

Sister's husband. 



Make the signs for Brotliei' and ~Woilinil (sister), Man and 

Po«»ii'!«f>iion (Hei*!"*), botli to tin- riglit. {Dakota VI.) 

Make the sign for Uly, Sister, (l>rother ami si>iter and woman), 
Hers (uiatle to tlie right), Same or Similar, and iTlan. (Kaiowa 
I; Comanche III; Aj)achc l\ ; Wichita 11.) 

Sister's son. 



]Make the sigus for Woman and Brother (sister), jTIan aud 

Born (to the right of the body). (Dakota VI.) 

-Son. SeeCiiild (otfsprin;;'); Male, and Man. (Arapahol.) 



Same as the sign for l>aii$;'hter, exeepting designation of sex. 

(Dakota I.) 

Make the signs for Bii'tli and Man. (Kaiowa I; Comanche III; 
Apache II ; Wichita II.) 

Son's daughter. 



Make the signs for Born, Born, and Woman. (Dakota VI.) 
Son's son. 



Make the sigus for Born, Born, and Man. (Dakota VI.) 
Unele (maternal). 



Malve tlie signs for Father, His (to the right), Brother and 

Sister, and Woman. (Kaiowa \; Comanche III; Aj)ache II; Wi- 
chita II.) 

Unele (paternal). 



Make the signs for Father, His (to the right), Brother and 

Sister, and M.in. (Kaiou-a I ; Comanchelll; Apache II; Wichita II.) 

Wife. (See akso Companion.) 



The dexter forefinger is passed between the extended thumb and index 
of the left. (Burton. ) 

Same as Companion. (Dakota I.) 

Make the .sign for W^oinan, aud then lay the two forefingers to- 
gether side by side, straight and pointing forward, the other fingers 
loosely elosed. (Dakota IV.) " Two joined as one." 



221 

(1) Malu' the sjoii for H^oiliail ; (2) t\v() fiii-icrs left Iiaiul <'xten(led 
(]%, liorizontal, forward, and tiiif;ers toiichinj;) ; (.>) hotli fists to chest, 
con (iviore ; (4) U-ft arm dn-lod before and drawn towaid the hody. 
{AiKiclir \U.) ••(]) A woiiKlii (L>) mated, (.i) verv tU-.w to me, (4) and 
wlioiii I eiid)raee." 

My wife. 



Make the siyii for ^iaiiie, followed by that for Woiliail. {Kaiiiwa 
J; < '(I iiKiiuhc 111; Ap<i< he II ; Wichita \l.) 

Make tlie sij^u for 'Woman, and then move I lie risht list, back out- 
ward, forward a foot or ei.i;hteen inelies from six inches in front of the 
navel. (Dahita IV.) " Woman 1 have." 

Wife or mother. 



Tffeliands, in jiosition (A), are broiii;lit to the chest and sli-;htly jiassed 
alonji' o\er the mammary i>rominence. The ri^ht hand then i)asses 
sweepinjily downward and outward, ])alni toward the body, describing 
rudely the exit of the child from the loins in the obstetrical cur\(' of 
Cams. The right arm is then raised and the e\teTide<l index touches 
the pra'cordinm. (Otu and Missouri I.) " Wonuiu or mother of my 
heart." 

Repeat ; orten. 8ee also Do it a;;aiii. 

Extend the left arm, also the index-finger, and with the latter strike 
the arm at regular intervals, from front backward, several times. 
(Wicil.) I have seen this sign. (Mafllicics.) 

Ik'dfiiiiilr natuviil siijii. — I'ut the lingers of the two hands together 
(tip to tiji) and rub tlicni rajiidly. (Ballnrd.) 

ftalian ni<jn. — A man who ])uts his tinger behind his ear, or who stieks 
out his chin and i)arts his lips, wishes to have something repeated which 
he lias imi)erfectly heard. {Butler.) 

Rolroat, or to return through fear. 
Begin with tlio .sign for Traveliiiif iiioileratclyor lYIarcliiii;?, 

then draw the tii)s of the lingers and thumb together and retreat the 
haiul to the body. {Loin/.) 

]!oth hands closed (O) at the left Itreast on the same h'vel and nearly 
joined; then carry them outward right to right, left to left, in front of 
the shotdders, with arms more tliaii half exteiuh'd, and in transit open 
the hands so that when brought to a stoj) the palms will be u|iward. 
Augers slightly separated, curved upward. {l>al;ota I.) "Heart was 
not lirave; what was I to do! ; wouhl seem to indicate utter helplessness 
under the circumstances. In such cases the nuui would not be stamped 
a coward. See the conception of Brave." 



222 

Ridg'e. 

Eight hand horizoutal, back outward, fingers extended, edge of hand 
downward, is drawn from left to right about a loot in front of the face; 
if a Jagged ridge, indicate by upward and tlownward sliari) movements 
of the liaud ; if a level one, by drawing the hand on as nearly the same 
level as possible. {Dakota I.) " From the appearance of a ridge." 

Ritliii;;' (horseback). See lloi>e and Cwoiii;;'. 

River. (Compare Rroad.) 

The hand, in the form of a scoop or ladle, is carried to the mouth, as 
if conveying water, and drawn along in a liorizontal line with the edge 
downward, about the height of the breast. [Long.) 

Another: Hold up the lingers ot the left hand, a little diverging 
from each otlier (representing a mountain range), and to convey tli»idea 
of the streams flowing from them, place the indextinger of the right 
hand alternately between each two of them and draw it away in a ser- 
pentine manner. [Long.) 

Open the right hand and pass it before the month from above down- 
ward. ( Wicd.) If WicfVs sign is complete there is a similarity in con- 
ception, but the(OtoI)signrei)resents the conception "water," and that 
which retains it at sides and directs the flow. " Something we drink, 
retained by banks at sides." (Boteler.) 

The finger traces seriientine lines on the ground. [Oj'ihwa I.) 

Make the sign for DriiikillS'^iiiid then wave both the palmsoutward. 
A rivulet, creek, or stream is shown by the drinking sign, and by hold- 
ing the index tip between the thumb and medius ; an arroyo (dry water- 
course), by covering up the tij) with the thumb and middle finger. (Bur- 
ton.) 

A movenuMit of the extended hand, \y,\\m down aiul horizontal, fin- 
gers joined, indicative at once of the flowing of water, and the meander- 
ing of its cuiTcnt. [Anipnlw I.) 

Sign for Water, followed by the sign for 8iiake. {Cheyenne I.) 
"A river is flowing water. 

Make the sign for "Water, then i>lace the extended flat hand, palm 
down, before the breast, and i)ush it forward to arm's length. (A()m- 
roka I; Shoshoni and Banal: I.) 

Right hand to the left side of body, level of shoulder, edge of fingers 
outward, extended, pointing obliquely downward toward the left (S 
turned downward), carry the haiul downward on a double curve in front 
of the body and toward the right. {Dakota II.) " Running water." 



223 

Make the sijiii for 'Wafer, ((. c, ])laee the riij:lit liiind, upright, six or 
eiglit iiicbes in front of tlic luoiitli, bad^ outward, index and tliunib 
crooked and tlieir ends about an incli apart, tlie other fin.uers nearly 
closed ; move it toward the mouth, and then downward nearly to the 
top of tlie breast-bone, at the same time turnin.i;- tiie hand over toward 
thenioutli until tiie little linger is uppermost); then draw liie i-jglit liand, 
its baek forward, the index extended and jiointiiii; toward the left, and 
the other tinkers closed, from about two fe(^t in front of the leif shoul- 
der toward the right until it is a loot or so outside of the line of the 
right shoulder. (Ihihita \\ .) '• Long water." 

llight hand brought, cuj) sjiajted, ))alm upward, to the nu)uth; hand, 
as in t.vi)e (F 1), moditied by being a little nH>re relaxed ; both hands are 
then extended ami the edges held \crticall.v, ]ialms facing, but hands 
ajiart: the hands in same relative [xisitions are then moved to and I'rom 
the body. {0U> I.) '-That we drink; tlowing and ictained betw(HMi 
banks." 

C'olleet the tingers of the right baud to a point and bring it to the 
mouth, i)alm lirst, then wave the Hat hand, i)alm down, horizoutidly 
from right to left. ( WyaviUii I.) " IJroad water.'" 

liaise hands to sides, tingers extended, palms oldicpu' (\ 1, w itli jtalm 
obli(pie), then at same time move Imth on jiarallel lines as far as arms 
can r«^aeh, showing a trough; then plac(^ right hand threeor four Iniihes 
from mouth, jialm upward and hollowed as though holding water, and 
move it (puckly past the mouth, resting in last position just in lr<uit of 
chin. (Sdhaptiii 1.) " Water running in a trough." 

Put haiul Iti front <)f mouth, i)alm ujiward and hollowed as though 
holding water, and mo\e it ])ast the iiu)uth, resting in front of chin ; ther 
from a point in front of breast make winding movenuMit to a i)()int as 
far Irom the body as arm will reach, tingers naturally relaxed, (Y 1, 
[lalm vertical), as though tracing course of stream. {Sahiiptui I.) 

Hold the right hand flattened and extended, with palm down, to the 
side of the right hip, then pass it forward toward the left side in a ser- 
pentine movement. ((Uimunche II.) " The hand rei)resents the Hat sur- 
fa(!e of the water, the movement the serpentine course." 

IMake the sign for Water, then hold the extended foretinger of the 
left hand diagonally in front of the body; i)alm down, then pa.ss the 
point of the index along the left from the base of the palm to the tip of 
the foretinger. {Vtc \.) 

Hold the right hand ttat and extended at the height of the hip, and 
pu.sh it, palm downward, in a seri)entine manner diagonally across 
toward the left. {Apache I.) 



224 

Deaf mute natural signs.— A.n uadulatiag motion of the hand. {Bal- 
lard.) 

Move the forefinger forward in a circh^ just below the nioutli, indieat- 
ing tlie motion of rolling waves, and tlien point to the place of it. 
(Husen.^tdh.) 

Raise the hand toward the month and then move the same hand in a 
line showing the flowing of the water. (Lar.son.) 

Across a. 



With the forefinger of the right hand <lescribe near the gronnd a 
wavy line in the direction of the geographical conrse of the stream 
indicated, and then witli the same finger describe a short, straight line 
across tlie former and from the direction of the jonrney. [Ihtkoia II.) 



Headwaters or source of a. 



Hold the extended and Hat left hand vertically before the body at the 
height of the elbow, then jioint to the palm with the index and make 
the sign for River away from the left hand with the right. {Apache 1.) 

Road. 

Having the opened hands eight inches ajiart, pointing forward, palms 
upward, in front of tlie chest, move them, each one alternately, back and 
forth about eight inches. {Jhihita lY.) 

lioth hands fiat and extended, pointing forward from the chest, })alms 
upward, thumbs an inch higher than the outer edges which are placed 
nearly together, in this position ]iass tlie hands forward nearly to arm's 
length. {Kaioiva I; Comanchelll; Apache II; Wichita 11.) " From the 
depression usually indicating a traveled trail.'' 

(^n, or in the middle of a. 



First make the sign for Road, extend the left forefinger pointing- 
forward and to the right, then place the tip of the extended index, 
pointing downward, u|)on the second joint of the forefinger. {Kaiowa I ; 
Comanche III ; Apache II; ]Vichil(( II.) 

Wagon. 

Make the wagon sign, and then wave the hand along the ground. 

{Barton.) 

^Villl the right hand, forefinger extended and pointing downward, 
other fingers (dosed (J turned downward), describe from its natural 
position outward in IVont and to the left of the body as far as tlie arm 
can be extended the winding conrse of a prairie wagon-road. {Dakota 
I.) " From the winding course of roads." 

Robe. See C'lotliiii;?. 



225 

Rocky (MS a liill). 

An iiscciidiiiii- motion of the cxtciidcd ri<;lit liand, fin.<rers joined, judin 
down, toward and over tlic ciiiH-licd left, wiiicli is constantly interposed 
as an olistarle. If iniiiassalile, the ri,i;lit hand shoiihl not i)ass over tlie 
left, or tlie sii;n may he completed in this manner and that of ncijution 
added. (ArtqKtho I.) 

KoiiikI 9i|i ^'atlle. To. See C'atllc. 

RiEii, Kuiiiiiii^. (Com]>are Walkiii;:'.) 

The arm nearly doubled njnm itself, and then the elbow thrown for- 
ward and backward, as in the act of runnini;'. (/,"»//.) 

Both hands, fists (B), carrieil ni)\vard on their respective sides to tln^ 
level of the shoidders and then make the upward and downward motions 
from the shoulders in imitation of their movements held in this jiosition 
when runnini;'. (Ihiknln I.) "From the movements of the arms when 
running." 

Extend and ])oint both forefingers inward, the rijiht three or fonr 
inches behind the left, ].alms l>ackward, at the h(>ij;ht of the breast, 
then, while movino' the hands forward alterTiately, throw the rii,dit index 
over the left and the left over the i'i,;;ht. ( Ihikotti IV.) 

I'oth arms are flexed and fists broujiht before body at ccTiter, about 
four inches ajiart. The hands in i)osition (II) are then mox'ed forward 
successively and alteruatel.y as an animal uallopin.nor trottinu. (Oto I.) 
"IVIotion of limbs in movement." 

Witli one or both fists jdaced near the side of the chest, mov<! them 
forward and backward as in running; the motion beinjiat the shouldt.". 
{Kaioivd I] Voiiiiniclw III; xljiachc II; Wichita II.) 

Deiifmiite ttatuntl siijtts. — A rai)id motion of the feet on the tloor. 
{llaUurd.) 

Use both arms and both open hamls in a way similar to that in which 
the legs arc used to run. {Hi(sc)ist(il>.) 

Move the hands u])and down in the two [larallel lines from the breast. 
{L(irs<n>.) 

Itaiiidlv. swift Iv. 



Lay both hands flat, palm downward, and i)ass the rii;ht rai)idly hi^'U 
and far over the left, so that the body is somewhat raised. ( Wictl) 

Sacred. 

Kight hand upright (S), palm toward the left, is moved straight up- 
ward and downward in front of the face. {Dahita I.) 
29 



226 

Sad, Sorry, Troubled. (Compare Angry.) 

Tlie ri^ht hand is partly, soiuetinies quite, closed, held in front of the 
chest, almost or quite in contact with it, and made to describe a circle 
of three or four inches radius, once or oftener. {MaiuJan aiid Hidatsa 
I.) "This indicates the various conflicting- emotions which may be re- 
ferred to by an Indian when he says ' My heart is bad.'" 

Both fists ])laced before the breast, palms down, thumbs touching, 
move the outer edges downward as if breaking a stick, then place the 
palm of the hand (or the fingers) over the heart. ( Wyandot I.) 
" Broken heart." 

Saddle. 

First make the sign for Hor!>>e, then turn the left hand outward to 
the left, and extend the fie.xed fingers so that the hand is horizontal, 
palm downward (lr%^), at the same time the fingers of the right hand 
are likewise extended, and then on a curve, first to the riglit, then up- 
ward and to the left, the hand is brought, with palm downward, nearly 
crosswise over the back of the left, which it pats gently several times. 
[Dakota 1.) " Indicating saddle from its position on the horse." 

The sign foi- Hoi'i^e is first Tuade by drawing the ojien hand edge, 
wise across before the face; the front and middle fingers of the right 
hand then straddle the index and middle fingers of the left. Finally, 
in repiesentation of the hand-made and reclining saddle-tree of the In- 
dian, the two front fingers of the right are made to stand inclined on 
the front and back of the left. {Oto and Minsouri I.) "Something 
astride of a horse that inclines before aTid behind." 

Pack, To. 

The clinithed fist is held before the chest at a variable distance, the 
second row of knuckles to the front, usually, the forearm being semi- 
I)ronated so as to make tlie metacarpo-])halangcal articulation of the 
inde.K the highest point of tlie liand. The fist is then struck by the 
palmar surface of the extended fingers of the right, fii'st in the back and 
then on the side, or rice rcrsa. (Mandan and Hidatsa I.) 

Salt. 

The body is bent forward, and the paliu print of the right fingers, in 
type-position ( W), touch the earth l)ef()ie the body. The open hands 
are then ai)i)roximated before the body, palms in contact, then diverge, 
the right index touching the tongue in type-position (K). The coun- 
tenance assumes a mien of dislike. The motion to the ground would 
indicate the salt-licks of the plains. ( Oto and Minsouri I.) " Something 
from the ground — savorv to the taste." 



227 

Salutation. Hand-shakin<i;. 

"lie shook hands" — witli tlie [)iirty {ri'«'ete(l — "andtlicn ])ressp(l his 
own open bosom." A 7w(«.s«.v sijjn. ([Tidian skctclies by .loliii T. Irvin-;, 
Philadelphia, 1835, vol. [, p. (U.) 

It is noticeable that while the ceremonial fjestnic ol' union or linking 
hands is common and ancient in token of ])eace, the ])racti<'e otshakinf:: 
hands on moetinff, now the aiino.vinn- eti(|nette ol' the Indians in their 
intercourse with whites, was not used by them between each other, and 
is clearly a tbreii;n importation. Tiieir fancy f ■)■ alleclionate greeting 
was in givinua pleasant bodily sensation by rubbing each other's breasts, 
arms, and stomachs. The senseless and inconvenient custom ol' shak- 
iTig hands is, indeed, by no means gencial throughout tiie world, and in 
the extent to which it prevails in tiu! United Stales is a subject of ritli- 
cnle by foreigners. The Chinese, with a higher conception of ]iolite- 
ness, shake their own iiands. The account of a recent ol)ser\cr of the 
meeting of two polite I'elestnds is: "Each placed t he lingers of one hand 
over the list of the other, so that the thumbs met, and then standing a 
fiiv feet apart raised his hands gently u|) and down in I'lont of his 
breast. For special courtesy, after the fori^going L;esture, I hey place the 
hand which had been the actor in it on the stomach of its owner, not on 
that i>art of the interlocutor, the whole ])rocceding being siibjcctixc, l)uf 
perhaps a relic of objective performance.'' 

Same; «>iiiii]ar to tviiat is iiiriif ioned iH't'orc. (Compare 

4'oni|»aiiioii.) 

Place the two forertngers ]>arallel to each other, and |)usli them for- 
ward a little. {Diinbnr.) 

The two forefingers opened forward, laid side by side as in sign '"or 
Coilipailioil, and gently i)ushed forward. (('In iimne I.) 

Same sign as for Coilipailioil. (hahiln 1.) 

The forefingers of both hands extended, joined, backs u]iward, arc 
carried outw-ard from the breast on the same lexci for a foot. [Dnkota 
I.) " No ditt'en»nce — both the same." 

The hands are ])laced in the same jio-itions as in All(*a<i and 
Iteilllld, except that the forefingers are ]>laci'<l exactly side by side. 
If it is to be shown that two things are exactly alike or constantly alike 
or beside one another, the hands are moved forward togelherfoi' a short 
distance. [Manddti and llidntsd \.) 

Extend forefinger and nnddle linger of right hand, pointing upward, 
thnmb crossed over the other fingers, which arc closed; move hand 
downward and foiward. {Omidni I.) 



' 228 

With the forefingers only extended, plMce the hands in front of the 
chest, \nihns down, so that the extended lingers lie side by side. {Kuio- 
u(tl; Comatielu'Ill; ApavhcU; Wichita U.) " One like the other." 

The forefingers only of both hands extended, placed side by side be- 
fore tlie body, palm down. (Apache I.) 

Italian .s)V/» — Lay the two forefingers together side by side. (Buthr.) 
"Union or harmony." 

«i>ati!«fie(l. See Glad. 

l§aw. 

Same as the sign for Cheyenne Indian. (See Tkibal Signs.) 
{Dakota I.) " From the use of the saw." 

Scalp. 

Grasp the hair with the left hand, and with the right one flattened 
eat away over the left. (Wied.) Still in use. (Mafthea\'i.) Although 
Wie^Vs sign seems inexplicit in descrii)tion, there is a remarkable simi- 
larity in the execution and conception between that and the {Oto and Mis- 
noun I.) (Uotclcr.) "That ]>art removed by the knife, as represented." 

The left hand stationary, eighteen inches in front of stomach (D), as 
thongli grasping the scalp-lock, and then the right hand (X), with 
palm upward, fingers extended, i)ointing obliquely toward the left, is 
passed with a backward or inward motion under the left hand from in 
front of it, just as though drawing the knife inward in scalping. (Da- 
kota I.) " From the act of scalping." 

Eapidly carry the left hand to the front of the upper part of the chest 
and close it, back forward, as if grabbing the hair; then draw the right 
hand, palm downward, from left to right beneath it, as if cutting. (Da- 
kota IV.) 

The left hand is raised to the vertex of the head and seizes the hair 
called by the Indians the scalp-lock ; thus firmly held, the right is raised 
and edgewise executes a severing sweep around the forehead. (Oto 
and Minsouri I.) "That which is removed as represented." 

Grasp the hair on the top or right side of the head with the left hand 
then draw the flat right hand with the edge toward and across the side 
of the head from behind forward. (Pai-Ute 1.) 

Scaree, Few. 

Place the hand in the position given for Come, when it is moved 
from side to side, arrested in its motion at intervals, and where so 
arrested is depressed an inch or two. (Mandan and Ridatsa I.) 



229 

^^'itll tlie lure iiiid middle tiiij;'ers iiiiitiitc the opeiiiiiji :iiid sluittiii^' of 
the blades of the scisisors. {Loiu/.) 

Ken roll lor. See llimtin^. 

Secret; To seerete. See Hide. 

See; Seeing-; Saw. (('oriii)are rook at.) 

The tore linger, in tlie attitude of i)oiiitii).t;', is ])assed from the eye 
toward the real or imajiinarv ohjeet. [Loikj.) 

Pass the extended index linger forward from tlie eye. ( Wkd.) Same 
as my description, but briefer. {Mattln'irs.) 

■Strike out the two forefingers forward from the eyes. {Burton.) 

Two fingers projecting. (Mnrnointn.) 

Place the fore and middle tingeis (of the right liaud usually), sepa- 
rated, extended, anil pointing outward, in front of the eyes, indicating 
the direction of su]ii)osed lines of sight. (Anipaho I.) 

Pass the extended index forward from the eye. {Ahsamla I ; Shos- 
lioni (Dili llaiuik I.) 

Same as Looii, To. (I>«l-i>tii I.) 

With tlie index and middle fingers of tlie right hand extended, and 
their ends sei>arated about two inches, jxiint forward at the height of 
the eyes, tlie other fingers to be closed and the tluunb on them, back ;if 
hand upward. Hold the liand still oi- move it forward a few inches. 
(Dakota IV.) -Two eyes." 

With the fingers of the right hand as for SeeillJ?, move tlie hand 
from side to side several times at the wri.st, describing a curve. {Da- 
kota IV.) 

Extend the index and second finger of tlie right hand, and move them 
horizontally forward from the eyes. [Pakota VI, VII.) 

Tile right hand, held as an index, is jdaced near tlie right ear, its back 
almost or quite touching the cheek, and is then moved forward. {Ulan- 
dan and Hidatsa I.) 

Close the right hand, leaving the index (or both index and second 
lingers separated) extended, jiass from the eye forward, the finger tip 
pointing in the same direction. {Kaiowu I; Comanche III ; Apache II ; 
Wichita 11.) 



230 

Another : Draw a circle aromul the eye with the extended index, or 
with both index and second lingers. {Kaiotca I ; Comanche III ; Apache 
II; Wichita II.) 

Close the third and little fingers of the right hand, lay the thumb over 
theni, separate the extended index and second fingers as far apart as 
the eyes, bring tlie hand to the eyes, fingers pointing outward, and pass 
the hand outward. ( Wichita I.) 

Deafmnir natural .siijns. — 0[)en the eyes wide and strain them at 
vacancy. {Ballard.) 

Point the finger to the eye. (Larmn.) 

Move the oix-n hand up and dowi successively in front of the eyes. 
(Hasemtab.) 

Place the forefinger ou tlie eye as if to see something. (Zcigler.) 

One another. 



Both hands closed with the palms facing, forefingers straight, flexed 
at nretacarpd joint so that they are horizontal and pointing toward one 
another at a distance of eight or ten inches; sometimes slightly moved 
to and from one another. [Ahsarolml; t>hoNhoni and Banakl.) "Sign 
of To See with both hands, as representing two individuals." 

Seen, or Diweovered. 

The sign of a ITIan or other animal is made; after which the finger is 
pointed toward and ajjproached to your own eyes. It is the sign for 
Seeing' reversed. {Lonij.) 

Same as Found. (Dalota \.) 

This is made in a manner the reverse of See. {Mandan and Hidatsa I.) 

Deaf-mute natural sign. — Nod, having touched the eye. (Cross.) 

Shame. 

IJoth hands to front of I'ace, hand and fingers upward, back outward 
(S), pass the left hand slowly from left to right in front of the eyes, and 
the right in same way to the left. {Cheyenne II.) 

Head incliiu'd forward and downward, eyes looking directly down- 
ward ; place the upright hands, with backs outward (S), about three or 
four inches in front of face so as to hide it from view as nuich as possi- 
ble. {Dakota I.) " From covering the face to hide the shame." 

IJofli hands flat, with extended fingers joined ; place the left outward 
befoie tlie left trheek, pointing upward and backward toward the right 
side of the crown, aiul the right several inches from and before the left, 



231 

pointins' uiiward and forwai'd, backs outward, the faci- at Mui .same time 
bei II j;- turned toward tlu; U-lt. {Kuiowa I; Comanche III; Apache II; 
Wichita II.) 

^ilieep. 

Kisht band hold forward from tbe lower ])Mrl of tlie. rijilit side of tlie 
abdomen, palm down, arched, tin<icr.sslifihtl.vsc])arated, and make arcli(;d 
interrupted movements forward. ( Ute I.) " Manner of the movement of 
the animal while {^razing." 

Ewe. 



Tlie right hand, extended and slightly arched, held before the body, 
about two feet from the ground ; then push it forwai'd over a slight arc 
once or twice. (Apache I.) " Illustrates the animal's heigiit and inter- 
rupted manner of moving forward while browsing." 

^lountain; Itighorn. (Otux montana, liich.) 



.Move the hands in the direction of the horns on both sides of the 
head bypas.sing them liackward and forward in the form of a half circle. 

{Wicd.) This sign is still in use. {^[<ttthclrx.) 

Place the hands on a level with the ears, the palms facing liackward 
and the Angers slightly reversed, tcnmitate the ammonitc-slia]ied horns. 
{Bioioit.) 

Move the opened hands backward, on<' on each side of the head above 
tbe ears, palms inward, lingers slightly tlcxed ami pointing backward. 
(Dahlia IV.) 

Place the right hand at the height of and straight forward from the 
elbow, iiabn downward, close the two miildle lingers, extend and crock 
the index and little fingers, at the same time extending the thumb .so that 
it passes downward and behnv the closed tingers. (Ute \.) "Curved 
horns and nose is represented." 

Wether. 



Make the .sign for Sheen, e«'e ; f'"^'" I'l''*^'? f't" arched left hand 
trau.sversely in front of the body (pointing toward the right) and nearly 
close the right, and make a movement from the left backward and down- 
ward toward tlu^ body as if drawing a rope. (Apache I.) "Height of 
the animal, walking as it grazes, and the long tail." 

Shield. 

Is shown by pointing with the index over the left shoulder, where it 
is slung ready to be brought over the breast when required. (Burton.) 

Both hands made to describe a circle slightly to cue side and in front 
of the body. (Cheyenne I.) 



232 

Siloes, inoccaiiiinM. 

Raise the foot aad stroke it from front to back with theiiidexfinfcer of 
the liand on the same side. ( Wied.) I ha\'e seen this si'^n. {Matthews.) 
The simihirity between the (Oto and Mianouri I) sign and TF^ierf's exists 
more in tiie idea or conception tlian the motion exerted. It is not prob- 
abh? that they ever were ich'ntical in execntion. {Batcler.) 

Draw the foot ui)ward and incliue tlie body forward sotliat the hands 
can reach the foot wlien tlie drawing on of the shoe or moceasin is imi- 
tated. [Dakota I.) " From the drawing- on of the slioe." 

Stoop and, with tlie ting-ers in the same position as for Dreww, tniiic, 

excepting that the forefingers are to point downward and tlie tlnnnbs 
nwaril, move tiie hands from tlie toes backward through sliglit curves, 
one on. each side of one of the feet. {DaJcota IV.) 

Another: Make the same sign above the foot without stooping. (/)«- 
JtotalV.) 

Both hands in type-position (W) are aiiproximated at the points of 
the index lingers before the toes of either foot. Then the hands diverge 
and describe a curve around the sides of the foot to the heel, from which 
point both hands are pulled smldeidy upward. The sign is perfect, rep- 
resenting the pointed oval of the mocrcasin and the use of both hands in 
drawing them over the heel. For BootK the last motion is extended 
up on both sides of the limb to midway the foreleg. {Oto and Missouri 
I.) " That which incloses the foot and is drawn on." 

Shoot ; »(hot. See, also, Arrow and Ciiin. 

Discharge of a deadly missile. 

The hand is clinched in such a way that the thumb covers the nails of 
the other digits; the foretingers are then suddenly extended as in the 
act of si)riiikling. This is much like the sign for Bad, but here the arm 
is not moved and the lingers not strongly flexed. {Mandan and Hi- 
dalsa I.) 

Struck by a deadly udssile. 

Tiie left hand is held before the chest at a convenient distance, thumb 
upward, back outward, fingers slightly bent, and is struck in the palm 
with the back of the clinched right fist. (Mandan and Hidatsa I.) 

I^liort, In stature. 

A short ]>erson is described with right hand brought uj) as high as the 
head on right side, forefinger straight upright (J, back outward) ; move 
the hand down, keei)ing fingers upward till it reaches the waist or 
below. The body is usually bent to the right a little in the movement 
as the hand goes down. Short distance is described the same as CIO!$e 
or ]\fear. {Cheyenne I.) 



233 



In extent. 



Place the hands, pahn to palm, a .short or the required distance ai)art. 
(Arapaho I.) 

Ciutailed. 



The arms are semitiexed before the l)ody: the hands aiiproxiinatcd at 
palms, then made to divers"e to indicate some lenji'th. The ri^iit hand 
then approximate.s the left and, edgewise, imitates a cuttiiiyolf of a siiort 
piece of the tinger-end.s. The word does not seem to be well understood 
by the Indian unless applied to some object, in which case- there is a 
compound sign. ( Oto (iiul Missouri 1.) " Lengtii reduced by (Uitting olf." 

A little, short extent, or time, according to connection. 



Eai.se left hand to position in front of body, foretinger exttmdcd hori- 
zontal (.11 1, changed to left); then raise right hand, first finger extended 
(HI 2); place end of the tinger near end of forefinger on left hand, and 
move it .slowly n[) the tinger, resting near its l)ase or near base of tiiuml). 
{Sahapti7i I.) 

Only by less separation of hands. (Apache III.) 

Sick: ill. 

Hold the flattened hands toward one another before the Ineast, bring 
them, held stiff, in front of the breast, and move them forward and back- 
ward from and to the .same. ( Wied.) As is evident, no similarity of 
ex<^cntiou or design exists between Wied^s sign and the {Oto and Mis- 
souri I.) (Botelcr.) 

Contract shoulders and chest, bring hands in front of throat and chin, 
with a shrinking, contracting motion and a shiver (if ague) or blow short 
breaths as if panting ; then carr.v the left hand to the forehead and i)re:.-s, 
indicating headache. {Ojibica IV.) 

Touch the part that is the .seat of the pain and then withdraw quickly 
the touched limb, or flinch at the pressure made oti the part, at the same 
time the emotions of the face express suflering. [Dakota I.) "From the 
fear of increased pain by pressure." 

The open, relaxed hands are to be quickly thrown about four inches 
forward and outward, several times, in front of the stomach ; fingers 
spread a little, ends about four inches apart, palms backward. {Da- 
kota IV.) " The pulsation of tlie heart." 

Assume an appearance of distress, with general features relaxed. 
Both ai'ms are then elevated, semiflexed, and the hands assume the 
type position (Q 1), modified by fingers being more curved and less rigid. 
The hands are brought tremblingly thus to the sides of the body, 
chest, etc., and then rai.sed to the forehead and the extended indices made 
to compress the temples. {Oto and Missouri I.) "That which produces 
inward or bodily distress." 

;jo 



234 

Place tlie tips or euds of the extended fingers and tliuinb gently over 
the heart, leaning the head slightly toward the left, accompanied by a 
drooping or closing of the eyelids. ( Lie I.) 

Another: Collect the fingers and thumb of the right (or left) hand to 
a point, and place the tips alternately to the right and left sides of the 
chest, accompanied by a simultaneous dropping of the head, with the 
eyes partially or entirely closed. (Ute I.) "Location of pain." 

Deaf-mute natural signs. — Place the hand upon the breast and pro- 
trude the tougue. (Ballard.) 

Place your jialm on the forehead and shudder. (Cross.) 

Place the open hand on the forehead, and then mo\'e the head down, 
with the mouth half opened. (Hasenstah.) 

Put forth a part of the tongue out of the mouth and at the same time 
raise the hand to the breast. (Larson.) 

Place the baud on the breast, at the same time open the mouth as 
if to Tomit. (Zeigler.) 

^"ery. 

Both hands fiat, extended, and fingers joined, place against the cheek 
bones and withdraw slowly. ( Wyandot I.) 

$i$;ii laii£;iinse. 

Tap the back of one hand with the palmar surface of the fingers of 
the other, alternately and repeatedly, then close both hands, leaving the 
forefingers and thumbs fully extended and separated ; place them about 
four inches apart, palms fiicing, and rotate them in short vertical cir- 
cles, in such a manner that when the right hand occupies the upper 
portion of its circle the left will be below. [Kaioica II ; Comanche III ; 
Apache II ; ^yichita II.) "Hands and conversation." 

Silence. 

Lay the extended index, poiutiug upward, over the mouth so that 
the tip extends as far as the nose, or alongside the nose. (Shoshoni and 
Banal- 1; Ute I.) 

8iiiS', to. 

liight-hand fingers and thumb partially unclosed, placed in front of 
the mouth, shot upward, and slightly shaken. (Cheyenne I.) 

Ball of the right hand resting on the chin, fingers extended obliquely 
upward and toward the left, as though catching the words thrown out 
of the mouth. (Dalvta I.) " Catching the words." 



235 

Move the right hand through a small circk- in front of the month, 
back forward, fore and middle lingers s]ircad a little, exti'iided and 
upright, other fingers closed, tlinnili on middle linger. {Dakota V\.) 
"Opening and closing the month and the sonnds coming lorth." 

(1) Put thumbs and forefingers si)read to make large circle; (2) boat 
tip of right hand several times towards it; (8) wave forelinger se\eral 
times quickly from lips upward. (AimchcWI.) ''(1) Drum: (2) beating 
accompaniment on it; (.'i) singing.'' 

Deaf-mute natural sir/n. — Put one linger to your month, (']icning and 
shutting it alternately; set in motion your arms, after the mannei- in 
which a singer acts. {C>'oss.) 

Singint^, Nnored. 

Move the upright right hand in a circle in front of the mouth, the 
fingers slightly bent and separated so as to form a circle, back out- 
ward. {Dakota IV.) 

Sister. See ReintioiiMlii|>. 

Hit (lomi. 

The fist is clinched, and the motion of it is then the same as if it held 
a statf and gently stamped it njion the earth two or three times. {Liituj.) 

Make a uiotion toward the ground, as if to pound it with the ferient 
of the closed hand. {Burton.) 

<i>uickly lower the extended hand, palm down, indicating spot and 
action. {Arapaho I.) 

Kight hand held to one side, lingers and thumb drooping, struv^k 
downward to the ground or object to be sat upon. {Cheyenne 1.) 

Shut both hands, thumbs uj) (or above), raise hands a little, and 
lower at same time with a squatting or sitting motion of body if the 
person giving the sign is standing; if sitting, point to the place and 
make motion with the hands and arms. {Ojibwa IV.) 

Right hand clinched, outer edge downward, and pushed toward the 
the ground. (Ab.saroka I; Shoslioni and Banak I.) 

Another : Make the sign of To !»il, but make it toward the spot indi- 
cated for the visitor to occupy. {Ahsarokn I; Shoahoni and Banak I.) 

Right hand in natural position, fingers closed (A), palm ujiward, ex- 
tend the forearm, with elb(^w fixed, straight toward the front (L), and 
cai'ry it toward the ground or seat. {Dakota I.) "'Sitting down on 
a chair or the ground." 



236 

Incline the body forward and move the right list downward about 
eighteen inclios from in front of the stomach, at arm's length forward, 
bent upward at the wrist, and back outward. (Dul-ota IV.) " Down 
in a bunch." 

The clinched tist, thumb upward, is held outward, usually to the 
right, the elbow forming nearly a right angle, the hand is then dei)ressed 
and suddenly arrested. This is a luoditication of the sign for !>>tay, or 
Al>i(le. When the sign is made imiieratively the arm is sometimes 
stretched toward the i)lace where it is desired that the person addressed 
shall sit. Sometimes a particular spot, mat, or seat, if convenient, is 
struck with the fist in making the sign. [Mandan and Hidatm I.) 

Deaf-ittute natural sign. — Point at the place where you wish the jier- 
son (sjioken to) to sit, and make the motion of sitting. {Cross.) 



and smoke. 



Used as an invitation to a visitor, and is made by carelessly pointing 
to the individual, to indicate person, then make the sign Sit donii 
and To !>>illoke. {Ab.saroka I ; Shoshoni and Banak I.) 

Australian sign. See Wait. 



Slave. 

Sla\e is described the same as a Captive. The only persons used 
as slaves, or so considered, in wild tribes of plains are captives. Mexi- 
can children have been often taken as well as young i)eople of hostile 
tribes. The right hand clinched (C with palm forward), upright, on a 
level with and to the right of right shoulder, is clasped around the wrist 
by the lingers and thumb of the left hand with back of hand (left hand) 
to front, and pull the riglit hand to the front twelve or fifteen inches. 
{Glieycniw II.) 

Sleep, Kleepin;^. (Compare ]\ig:ht.) 

Point to the ground and make a motion as if of lying down; then 
close the eyes. {Burton.) 

Close the eyes and incline the head, the cheek resting upon or sup- 
l)orted by the extended hand. Time may be indicated by this means; 
"one sleep " (the sign for sleep and one finger touched or held up alone) 
being the equivalent of twenty-four hours or a day. {Arapaho I.) 

Right baud, palm inward, placed by the sideof the head ; head drooped 
to tlie right, as if to fall into the open palm, and eyes partially closed. 
This also means to go to bed. {Cheyenne I.) 

Another: Forefinger of right hand crooked and placed against or 
near the upper lid of the eyes ; very short motion downward and 
outward. {Cheyenne I.) 



237 

Tlie liead iiicliiiod sidewise toward tlie right, against tlio palm of the 
riglit hand with lingers separated (P). (Dakota I.) " Head Kujjported 
by a i)illow/' 

Close the eyes, ineline the head toward the right, and lay it in tlie 
opened right hand. {Dakota IV.) 

The arm i.s bronghtto the side of head, with hand in i)()siti<)n (T). and 
head inclined to right shoulder, resting in i)alm, eyes closed. {Oto I.) 
" Kest." 

Incline the head to one side, close or partly close the eyes, and jiUice 
the tlat hand to within about six inches of the ear. (Pai-Utc I.) 

Deaf-mute natural .s/V/;(,s. — Place the hand ui)on the cheek, inclining 
the head to one side, and closing the eyes. {liallard.) 

Close your eyes and bend your lit^a<l sid(>wise on the o])en hand. 
(Cross.) 

First place the open hand on one side of the head, next move the 
head, the eyes having been shnt, down to the side, and then jjoint to the 
place to .sleep. (Hascustali.) 

Close the eyes. (Lar.soti.) 

Shnt the eyes, and incline the head as if to sleep. (Zciijler.) 

Italian sif/u. — Lay the o|)en hand under the cheek. (Butler.) 

To sleep with another. 



The person is tirst indicated by jiointing, then place the forefingers 
of each hand side by side in front of the breast, back n])ward, at ilie 
same time inclining the head a little to the left and i)artially closing tiie 
eyes. ( Dakota V.) 

Cross both closed hands and arms before the breast as if in an em- 
brace, then lay the extended index and forefinger side by side, palms 
down, pointing forward, and move them over toward the riglit so that 
the backs of the hands jioint downward toward the right at theternuna- 
tion of the sign. (Ute I.) 

Sleepless. 

The head is held nearer the nuddle line than in the sign for Nicep. 
The hand is then raised in position (^), and made to quivei' with palm 
outward. (Oto 1.) "Unrest." 

Slow. 

Extend the left arm, curving the forelinger and holding it still. Tlie 
right arm does the same but is drawn l)ack with seseral short and cir- 
cular movements. ( Wied.) 



238 

Both hands in frout of breast witli fingers extended, &c., as (W), 
pass the right hand forward over the back of the left slowly. {Dakota 
I.) " Slow in motion." 

The liands, four to eight inches apart, about a foot in front of the 
lower part of the chest, with the forefingers extended, pointing forward 
and backs upward, should be slowly lowered about eight inches and at 
the same time separated by bringing the elbows to the sides. The 
other fingers are to be nearly closed, thumbs against the middle fingers 
or under them. (Dakota IV.) "(roing backward, and therefore sh)w." 

Deaf-mute natiinit signs. — A .slow, horizontal movement of the baud. 
(Ballard.) 

In reference to walking, walk slowly for a little distance; to sewing, 
slowly copy such a manner as a dressmaker actually does, and so on. 

( Cross. ) 

Siiinii; Little; a few; ^iiiall aiiioiiiit. (Compare I¥oth- 

iiijsr.) 

Pass the nearly closed hands several times by jerks over one another, 
the right hand above. ( Wied.) There are various signs for Little, 
depending on the nature of the object described. I have given you one. 
I do not remoinl)er this of the Prince of Wied. (Matthen-s.) 

(1) Fingers and thumb of both hands closed, hands bent l)ackward 
from the wrist, and thus (2) crosses right above the left before the breast. 
(Cheyenne I.) 

First lay the open hands on the body, backs outward, and then make 
the sign for ITIan, or the animal or thing to which the sign is to be 
applied, and then close the hands, fists (A 1), left outside of the right 
and about a foot and a half in front of the left breast, and the right 
held just in front of the left breast; carry the left hand inward, and the 
right hand outward, to the body on a curve until the right fist is over the 
left. (Dakota I.) "Denotes small in body or stature." 

Place the right fist or half-closed hand about three inches above the 
left, in front of the navel, radial side of the fists upward ; then bend the 
hands backward as far as possible at the wrists, and move the right 
wrist over the left, at the same time turning the palms a little upward. 
(Dakota IV.) " So small or so little that it can be held in the closed 
hands." 

The extended forefinger of the left hand (usually erected) is pinched 
near its extremity between the thumb and index-finger of the right 
hand. The degree of smallness is to some extent shown by the height 
of that portion of the left forefinger which appears above the right 
thumb-nail. For extra demonstration the eyes are often partly closed 
and the forefinger pinched tightly. (Mandan and Ridatsa I.) 



239 

Tlie tliuml) and front fiii,<,^ers of tlie ii<rlit liand are collected and, as 
in type-position ((«), are made to ^lasp soiuetliLii};- ; or both hands in like 
position are held parallel, facing each other. {Oto and Missouri I.) 
"That contained between the tingerends."' 

^Mth the forelinger only extended, place the inner edge of the extended 
index abont half an inch from the tij) of the foretinger. ( I'ic J.) 

Extend the thnmb and index, bringing their ])almar surfaces to within 
half an inch of one another, the remaining lingers closed or nearly 
closed. {Apache I.) "The positions of the lingers are the same as if 
holding a very small body." 

Hold imaginary object between lelt thumb and index; point (cari-y- 
iug right index close to tips) to the last. {Apaclte III.) 

In size and also in (piantity. 



Kight-hand in front of the body, mark oil' on the index-finger, with 
the thumb, a small portion of it, other lingers closed. {Dakuta I.) "A 
portion of anything, a small amount." 

Jh'df-niHte natural .si</Hs. — I'lit one forefinger iqwu the othei' a little 
way from the tip. {Ballard.) 

Place the tip of one forefinger on the first joint of the other, and then 
half open the eyes, and move the lijis from each other, while the upper 
and lower teeth are kept toward each other. {ILhscnstah.) 

Put the oi)en hands together. (Z((y.so«.) 

Use the teeth as if to piess the end of the tongue between. {Zeif/lt.:) 

.Siiif li. 

Touch the nose tip. ,V l>ad smell is ex])ressed by the sanu' sign, 
ejaculating at the same tiuu' " I'ooh!" aiul making the sign of Bad. 
{BHrfoii.) 

Fore and middle fingers of right hand placed at or neai' tlu^ nostrils, 
drawn downward and forward with slightly curved motion. {Chey- 
enne I.) 

Fore and second fingers of right hand extended (others closed) (IV), 
carried directly to the nose and then forward for a few inches in front 
of the nose, fingers pointing ol)Iiquely downward. (Dakota I.) "From 
the act of smelling." 

Deaf-mute natural signs. — Hold the nose with thumb and forefinger; 
or iTuitate the act of sniffing. (Ballard.) 



240 

Toiut at tlie nostril with ouc finger, with a displeased or pleased 
expression. {Cross.) 

Place the forefinger beneath the nostril, at the same time raising the 
upper lip several times in succession, as if to smell something. {Zeiyler.) 

8iiioke. 

Begm with the sign for Fire, then raise the hand upward, with the 
fingers o])en as if to represent smoke. (Dui)har.) 

Snuffle the nose and raise the fingers of both hands several times, 
rubbing the fingers against each other. ( Wied.) The rubbing suggests 
the old mode of obtaining tire l)j' friction, and the wrinkling or snufding 
of the nose indicates the ettect of the smoke on that organ. 

With the crooked index, describe a pipe in the air, beginning at the 
lips; then wave the open hand from the mouth to imitate curls of smoke. 
{Burton.) 

Similar to the sign for Fire, the fingers still and the hand ascending 
by a constantly revolving motion. {Arapaho I.) 

Sign for Fire made slowly. {Cheyenne I.) 

Clinch the right liaml, and hold it, palm toward the left and down- 
ward, about twelve inches in front of the lower jjortion of the chest. 
{Ahsarola I ; Sho.shoni and Banak I.) " Holding the pipe.'" 

Same as the sign for FMre with the hand carried up higher. {Da- 
kota I.) " From the ascent of the smoke." 

Make the sign for Fire, and tlien hold the opened upright hands, 
fingers a little spread, side by side, in front of the face. {Dakota IV.) 
" Hides everything." 

Close both hands, place them side by side toward the ground, palms 
downward, then raise them quickly, extending the fingers and thumbs 
in doing so, and make sjiiral curves upward a short distance. ( Ute I.) 

^iiake. 

The forefinger is extended horizontally, and passed along forward in 
a serpentine line. {Lonfj.) 

A gliding movement of the extended hand, palm down, fingers joined, 
in imitation of reptilian locomotion. {Arapaho I.) 

Eight hand forefinger pointing, placed in front of and on a level with 
left shoulder, drawn along to the right with undulating sinuous motion, 
imitating the motion of a snake crawling. {Cheyenne I.) 



241 

Extended forefinger of right hand (others closed) (J pointing down- 
ward instead of npward) in front of the breast, move it in imitation 
of the movements of the snake iu crawling. {Dakuta 1.) '• From tlic 
crawling of a snake." 

The hand, held as an index hand, jiointing forward, is held near the 
body in front and usnally to one side; it is then advanced rai)i(l]y and 
with a tortuous motion, like that of a snake crawling. (,][(nid(in (tiid 
HitUitsa I.) 

Same sign as that for Mliu^lioiii Iiidiaii. (See Tkibai, Signs.) 
{Cowcniche II; PaiVtc I.) 

With the index only exten<led, palm down and the hand at the rigid 
hip, pass it forward and toward the left, moving it from side to side (in 
a serpentine manner) in doing so, the motion l)eiiig made at the wrist. 
{AjMche I.) 

I>c(tf-nuitc Hdtiircd kIj/iik. — A zigzag motion forward with the forefinger. 
{BallunJ.) 

]Move the arm in a sei'pentine form, {f.aysdii.) 

Point with the forefinger as if to jioint to something, at tlie same time 
move it crookedly, and also at the same time stretch the tongue and 
move it to and fro like a ix'mlulum. (Zeijilcr.) 

Hnow. (Compare Frosl.) 

Begin with the sign for Rain, then the sign for Ail' or Cold, and 
couclude with the sign for AVIiitt'. (Dunhdr.) 

The hand is held up about as iiigh as the head, with the tingt-rs s.if- 
fered to dangle downward; it is then bobbed a little up and down, as 
if to throw oft'dro]is from the ends of the fingers. (Lonr;.) 

Scatter the fingers downward. Tlie same sign denotes rain. {Burton.) 

Inutate its fall with the hand, palm down, jiartially closed, tingers 
separated and pointing downward. To indicate Kaiil, tlie hand is 
moved iu a direct course toward the ground; ^>iiioiV, the hand moves 
other than in a direct course to show drift, lighter fall, iS:c. (Arapahit I.) 

Same sign as for Raisi, though the hands are moved iu and out 
more than in that sign, as if covering the body. {Dakota I.) " From 
the falling of the snow." 

The same sign as for Rain ; Imt when it is necessary to distinguish 
it from rain, it must lie preceded !)y the sign for Cold, which makes it 
the same as winter. Often the sign for Rain or fallow is made with 
one hand aloue. {Dakota IV.) 
31 



242 

Make tlic signs for Rain and Deep. (Dakota YI; Hidatsa I; 

Arikara 1.) 

The hand in position of sign for Rain is moved downward slowly 
and with a wavering motion. (MamJaii ami Hidatsa 1.) 

The tace is cast in(iuisitively toward the sky and the arms and cloth- 
ing collected around the body as when one is chilly. The right hand is 
then raised above the head with the tingers collected much as in type- 
position (H 1), modified by tinger ends being held a little more curved. 
The hand then falls by jerks, opening and closing successively. (Oto 
and Missouri I.) " Something falling that makes us chilly." 

The hands are held as in the sign for Rain, but are then moved 
down toward the ground and outward to either side. Literally, "deep 
rain;" rain being indicated, the depth is shown by jjassing the hands 
outwiU'd toward their respective sides. ( Wi/andot I.) 

Place the right hand as high as the head, in front or toward the right 
side, palm down, moving it (juickly up aiul down sevenil times for a 
short distance, then indicate the depth upon the ground with the tiat 
hand, ])alm earthward. (Apache I.) 

Make the sign for Cloiidfv; then the hand descends from above 
the head (Q), tips down; when near the earth wave the hand. To 
show depth of snow on earth spread both hands, palms down ( W). 
{Apache III.) " Kepreseuts the varying motion of snow-tlakes." 

Deaf-mute natural signs. — Point to the shirt bosom, signifying the 
color white, and move up and down the extended tingers. (Ballard.) 

Do the same as to say rain, ex(!ei)t point with the forefinger to some 
object that is white, indicating the whiteness of snow. (Hasenstab.) 

Put the hands toward the breast and shake the body, and then move 
the outstretched hands upwanl and downward. (Larsoti.) 

Soap. 

The right-hand clinched (D),is rubbed on the left forearm, just above 
the wrist. (Dakotal.) "From its use in washing clothes." 

Soit. 

Open the left hand and strike against it several times with the right 
(with the backs of the fingers) [which also means Hard]; then strike 
on the opposite side so as to indicate the reunion. (Wied.) The sup- 
posed yielding substance is restored by the second stroke to its former 
shape. 



243 

Take some soft body in the li;uul, anil touch and handle it lightly, 
alternately witli eacli iiand, hold a.s though nioldini;- it into a round hall- 
[Ikilota I.) "Handling- the substance gently, so as not to injure it." 

With the hands three or four inches apart, pointing forward, palms 
downward, lingers relaxed, lower them about four inches slowly and 
raise tlieni rather rapidly several times. {Dakota IV.) " Yields and 
springs back ; therefore is soft." 

With the fingerand thuinbof the riglit hand apjiroxiniated to a ])oint, 
pretend to i)ick some i)ulveruleut substance from the palm of the left, 
keep working the tii)s of the right as if allowing tlie conttMits to fall 
slowly back again into the left. (Kaioical; Cdmaiicht' 111 ; Apacln \l ; 
Wichita II.) 

Made only l.iy rubbing folds of cloth (tiexibility), or imitating tlie 
crumbling of bread. (Apache III.) 

Dc((f-)ni(fe HiitKral si<jn. — Scjueeze softly the clinched hand. (Cross.) 

Soil. See Karlli. 

JSolditT (American). 

Pass each baud down the outer seam of the i)ants. (Nee, For, and 
Kiclapoo I.) " Stripes." 

Sign for VVIiilc Man and then for Fori. (Dakota I.) "From 
his fortitied place of abode." 

Extend the fingers of the right hand; place the tluunb on the same 
plane close beside them, and then bring the thumb side of the liand 
horizontally against the middle of the forehead, palm downward -uid 
little linger to the front. (Dakota II.) " Visor of forage cap." 

The nearly ch)sed hands, thumbs against the middle ot the foretingers, 
being placed with their tluuubs near together in front of the body, palms 
forward, separate them about two feet. (Dakota IV.) "AH iu a line 
in front." 

Another: First make the sign for soldier, then that for Wliifl' 
man. (Ihikota IV.) 

Place the radial sides of the clinched hands tog<'ther before the chest, 
then draw them horizontally apart. (Dakota \\.) "All in a line." 

Place the Hat and extended right hand, jialm downw ard, horizontally 
against the forehead. ( Utc I.) " Visor of the caj)." 

Arikara. 



Make the sign for Arikara, ami that for Brave. (Afiknra I. 



244 



Dakota. 



Make the sign for Dakota, and that for fitoldier. (Dakota VI.) 

Soldiers coming:. 

Both liaiuls exteiicled, liiit;t'rs spead, place obli(iuely upward and in 
front of the breast, right above left a short distanee ; moved alternately 
and successively from right to left. ( Ute I.) " The movement of bayo- 
nets in a charge." 

Moilie. (Part of a. number of })er.sons or objects.) 

Extend the index, hold the palm down, and imitate the motion of 
indicating diftereut individuals or articles from left to right. (Kaiou-a 
I; Cumartche Ul ; Apache ll: Wichita II.] 

Kon. Bee R('lation«>liip. 

>>iooii. See Time, Soon. (Compare ]\>ar.) 

Sorrow. (Occasioned by filial disrespect.) 

Kight hand next to the heart, jialm in, fingers slightly curved; then 
make a circular movement forward and outward toward front. ( Omaha I.) 

Sorry. See Sad. 

Soup. 
Sign for Kettle, setting on the tire, and then that for Driiikiiig'. 

[Dal-ota I.) 

Sour. 

Simulate tasting anything sour, i. e., act of tasting and expression of 
face. (Arapaho 1.) 

Tip of forefinger touched against the tip of the tongue; then make 
the .sign for Hard. (Cheyenne I.) 

Raise the right hand to the mouth, as though having the substance 
to be tasted in it, and then spit. {Dakota I.) " Xot liking the taste." 

Deaf-mute natvral sii/n. — Make wry mouths. (Ballard.) 

Touch the tongue, shaking the head, with a look expressive of dis- 
pleasure. ( C'l'os.^. ) 

Close the eyes a little and shake the head. (Larson.) 

Space; extent. 

The left arm and hand are extended. The right hand is then brought 
(as in S 1 modified by being horizontal) to left and drawn across left 
arm edgewise at successive points. (Oto I.) "That is composed of 
smaller parts; many added." 



245 

TliL' motion is like spriiikliiis' water from the mouth by spriiifiiiii; the 
foretiiiii'er from the tliumb, the hand following a .short distantH! from the 
niontli at each resilieiice, to show the direction of the word, or to whom 
it is addressed ; this motion is repeated tliree or four times. {Lon(j.) 

Place the flat hand, back downward, before the mouth, and move it 
forward two or three times. ( ^Vicd.) My description is the same as 
this, but more precise. I believe I said the thumb is held forward. A 
knowled^Lje of this fact would be essential to one who wished to imitate 
the sign correctly. (Mattlifws) Tliere is suflicient similarity to W'ied's 
sign in the position of the liand and forward movement to justify a sup- 
jxisition of former identity between that and [Ofo dixl MisnoHri I.) The 
curved position of tlie lingers in the latter sign is not in\ariable. {liote- 
kr.) 

Extend the open liand 1'roin tlie moutli. (Utirton.) 

Fingers used as if jjicking sometliing from the mdutli. (Mnciioirdti.) 

Point tlie extended f n'etingcr as from the mouth. (Araptiho 1.) 

Forefingers of both hands crooked inward, as in nialdng the sign for 
ITIoi'llili;;' ; motion liacliward anil forward from mouth. {Cheyenne I.) 

The gestures by which "speaking" is described are made close to the 
mouth. If the hand is passed several times across the lips it means 
addressing the people, Harawjue. If the lingers of both hands are 
crossed before the moutli like a pair of scissors, it means a PialogHe. 
(Ojihn-a 1.) 

Same as the sign for ^iiig;, excepting the hand is carried farther out- 
ward from the mouth. (Dakota I.) "Carrying the words out of the 
mouth." 

Place the right hand just in front of the mouth, palm forward, index 
half Hexed, other fingers closed, thumb against middle finger ; move the 
hand at the wrist forward two or three times through an arc of about 
six inches, each time bringing the end of the index against the end of 
the thumb. (Dakota IV.) "Opening and closing the mouth, and the 
sounds coming forth." 

Pass the tips of the fingers of the right hand forward from the mouth. 
{Pai-Ute 1.) ' 

Place the knuckles of the right hand against the lips, and make the 
motion of fiipping water from the index, each flip casting the hand and 
arm from the mouth a foot or so, then bringing it back in the same i)osi- 
tion. (Wichita I.) 



246 

Place the flat right hand, palm up, fingers pointing to the left, a short 
distance before the chin, and move it forward. This is sometimes 
repeated three or four times. {Dakota VI, VII.) 

The rigiit liand, not very rigidly extended, palm upward, thumb for- 
ward, is held in contact with the lower lip ; it is then moved forward a 
few inches, and restored to its original position. These motions are 
I'epeated once or oftener. (Mandan and Hidatsa I.) 

The right hand is brought to tlie nunUh, palm upward, index-tinger 
crooked, the others somewhat collected, and hand slightly cup-shaped. 
The hand aiid arm is then extended from the mouth, opening aiul clos- 
ing partly by successive and delicate jerks toward the person or oljject 
addressed. The position of the hand is not invariable, and the true 
origin of the sign seems to be more in the conception of something coming 
at intervals from the mouth. {Oto and Missouri L) " Opening of the 
moutii and that which issues therefrom." 

Close the hand, except the index-finger, and, first touching with this 
the mouth, move it forward, back upward, i)artly closing and opening 
the finger with a rapid motion. (Iroquois 1.) 

The right liand is held to the right side of the mouth, fingers pointing 
forward, palm down, when the fingers and tluimb are slowly opened 
and closed, representing the opening and closing of the lips in speak- 
ing. ( Wi/andot I.) 

Pass the right hand, palm up, forward from the chiu. (Shoshoni and 
Banal- I.) 

Deaf-mute natural sign. — Move the lips as if to speak. (Zcigler.) 

Another speaks. 

Place the hand as iu the sign for IS pen k, beginning farther from the 
mouth, drawing it nearer and nearer. ( Witd.) I have seen this sign. 
(MattheH-s.) 

Conversation. 



Several repetitions of the sign for Hpeak. (Arapalio I.) 

Make the same sign as Tell, but with both hands, and toward each 
other. [Hidatsa I ; Arikara I.) 

I will speak to you. An interview. • 



Kiglit arm flexed at elbow, and hand collected as in type {ii 1), modi- 
fied by being inverted and palm turned up. The arm and fingers are 
then suddenly extended, after being brought to the position of the 
heart. (Oto I.) "Approach; I will o^jcn myself to you." 



247 



Tiilkiiio- (one ])ers()n). 



Throw the opened, relaxed, ri;;lit h;iiid, |i(iiiitiii.i; forward, jtahii ui)- 
ward and inward, six or eight inches towaid tlic left, several times. 
{Diih'td IV.) 

Two or more persons eoinersing. 



IJotli hands being ojiened, relaxed, and ])ointing forward eighteen 
iuelies ajtart, palms upward and a little inward, iiiDve them inward until 
near together three or four times ; or, ha\ing the hands near together, 
move them from side to side several times, turning the ends olili(|uely, 
first toward the right and then toward the left, iuo\iug them from the 
wrists alone, or moving fon^irms also. (Dakafa IV.) 

Or talk in eouneil. 



The right arm is raised. Hexed at ell)ow, and the hand brought to tlie 
month in tyite-position (fi 1, luodified by being in\erted), i)alm up, and 
the index-tinger being luore ojk'II. The hand then passes from the mouth 
in jerks, ojjeniug and elosing suceessively ; then the right hand in posi- 
tion (S 1), horizontal, marks olf divisions on the left arm exten(h'd. 
(Ofo (did Missouri I.) "That which issues from the moutli continuously 
or in pai'ts." 

Tell me. 



Place the Hat right hand, palm upward, about (ifteen inches in front 
of the right side of the face, fingers pointing to tlie left and front ; then 
draw the hand inward toward and against the bottom of the chin. {Ab- 
sunihdl; Jliihitsd I; Kiiiowal; Arikufn 1; Voiiiiiiiche 111; Apdchcll; 
Wichita 1.) 

Place right hand (Y 1), slightly strained at the wrist, as though hold- 
ing something on it) at a jtoint, say a foot from the mouth, and move it 
toward tlie mouth two or three tiiues. All the motion by the forearm, 
the arm to the elliow lying against the side, {i^aliaptin 1). "Pouring 
in or being fed."' 

I have told you. 

-Move the opened relaxed right hand from the mouth straight forward 
about a foot, fingers pointing toward tlie left, palm ui)ward. {Dakota 

IV.) 

Told me, a person. 



Reverse the moveiuent of the right hand as given in tiie sign for 
Talk, /. c, the hands drawn inward toward the face, as though catch- 
ing the words as uttered by another person, and carrying it to your own 
mouth. [Jkikofa I.) 



248 

Deaf-mute natural siyii. — A rapid motion of tlie lips as if iu the act 
of speaking, auil move tlie tiuger to the bosom after some sign for the 
person telling. (Ballard.) 

Spear. See Lance. 

Npooii. 

Eight hand in front of body with thumb and forefluger bent in resem- 
blance to the slia[)e of tlie l)owl of a spoon as much as possible. {Da- 
kota I.) "Bowl of a spoon." 

Tlie left arm is elevated and semi-extended, the index-finger and 
thumb are approximated at ends, as in position (H), other fingers are 
closed. The right hand is then made to scoop downward and inward, 
with the index and middle fingers approximated and curved, palm 
inward. The ring and little fingers are closed. The right hand then 
a])proaches the left in the above position, which is now taken to the 
mouth. {Oto and Missouri I.) ''The shape, size, and use of the instru- 
ment is indica^ted." 

Spotted. 

"With the extended index make repeated transverse cuts across the 
extended forefinger of the left hand. {Absaroka I ; Shoshoiii and 
Banal- I.) 

Ilold the left hand with its jialm inward and fingers ])oiutiug forward, 
and alternately draw the palms and the backs of the right fingers across 
its upi)er edge several times from left to right. Or draw them across the 
hand and arm at ditlerent places as if wiping off the fingers. (Dakota 
IV.) 

Extend the left forearm horizontally, pointing forward, then ])ass the 
left palm alternately across it from below upward (but not touching it) 
ou the inner and outer sides. (Ridatsa I; Arikara I.) 

The sign for the animal or thing is made first, then the arms are 
flexed, hands brought together in front of body, opened in full, fiat, 
palm of one ou back of other — a cross duplicate of position (W). 
Flat surfaces then pass horizontally over each other. (Oto I.) "That 
which has been rubbed or blurred." 

Spring: (season). 

The sign for Cold, to which add the sign for being Done or Fin- 
ished. (Dunbar.) 

Signs for Day (or Day9ig;lit) and (wi*a!!>t!>. The seasons may also 
be distinguished by indicating a greater or less meridional altitude of 
the sun. (Arapaho I.) 



249 

With the ris'litbaiid flngers and tlmiub curved upward and separated 
(P with knuckles and back downward) heginnmji- with the hand in tliis 
position as low down on the riglit side as you can reach by bendinj;- the 
body a little, then Ijrin.u' the hand up a few inches, keejiitiji- lingers up. 
{Cheijvnnc II.) " Kepresents grass growing." 

Make tlu' sign for (>r:iK<x. { l>(tk<>tti I ; Kaioira I; Votiuinchc III; 
Apachv II; Wichitit II.) •• I""roni tiie season tlu> grass s])rings up." 

Make the sign for ISoI'mc. (ISidiii;;' a lior**'); and then Imld tlie 
left hand, i)alin looking ol)li(|uely downward and backward, in front of 
the abdomen, anil pass the right hand, bacl^ upward, underneath it from 
behind forward ; or, make the sign for <>fli«|»i-iii;i', (l>aki>t(i IV.) 
"The mares have colts." 

Make the signs for ISaill, Cwl'asiM. and <>ooil. [Ihilaita VI.) 

The right hand is gradually drawn toward the body, then approaches 
the ground, in type-position (Q 1), lingers more collected at the ends 
and less rigid. From the ground the hand is made to rise slowly and 
successively in rei)resentation of the ujjward tendency of vegetation. 
[Oto and Misnoiiri I.) -'Tiu^ time when grain and grass grow." 

]\Iake the sign for Rain, then with the curved index only pointing 
upwanl, hold the liaclc of the right hand near the ground and elevate it, 
gradually and iu an interrupted movement, upward. {Ute I.) "After 
the rains the s[)routs ai»i)ear." 

M(|iian . See WoJiiaei. 

^»tar». (Compare .Yloon.) 

The right-hand, forelinger and tliumb crooked, is ])ointed in various 
directions above the head toward the heavens, and a moderately (luick 
uniler-and-over movement of the linger and thumb, fornung a crescent, 
is made. [Dakota I.) ''Froui the twinkling of the stars." 

Make the sign for jVi^lit, and then, bringing the eiuls of the right 
thumb and forefinger together, or Hexing the forefinger within the 
thumb, (juickly move the npright liand four or fi\e times forward, here 
and there above the head. For xtar, hold the hand above the heatl, its 
inner edge uppermost. (Dakota IV.) 

Stay, .-ilMdi'. I live or stay liere. 

From a foot in front (if the neck move tlie right hand, its back forward 
and index extended, se\'eral times tlirougii a curve toward the right 
shoulder, each time rotating it to turn the palm forward; then throw the 
fist forward in front of the lower i)art of the chest and move it a foot or 
eighteen inches up and down, back outward. (Dakota IV.) 



250 

The clinched fist, bade tbrwartl, thumb upward, is held before the 
chest, then depressed a few inches aud suddenly arrested. If you wish 
to tell a person at some distance to stay where he is, stretch the arm 
out at full length toward him in making the sign, otherwise the hand is 
held near the body. (Mandmi and Tlidatsa I.) 

Clinch the right hand as if holding a stick, and make a motion as if 
trying to strike something on the ground with the bottom of the stick, 
held in an upright position. ( Wichita I.) 

Steal, To. 

The left forearm is held, horizontally, a little forward across the body, 
and the right hand passing under it with a quick motion seems to grasp 
.something and is suddenly withdrawn. {Lon<j.) 

Seize an imaginary object with the right hand from under the left fist. 
{Burton.) This implies concealed action and the transportation form- 
ing part of the legal definition of larceny. Our instructed deaf-mntes 
make the same sign. 

Left arm and hand held diagonally to the body on level with elbow, 
right-hand forefinger hooked, quickly drawn under left hantl and back 
to the side (sometimes all the fingers are hooked as though grabbing 
something or tearing it away). {Cliqienne I.) 

Left hand held about a foot in front of the breast, horizontal, back 
outward, fingers extended and pointing toward the right; then the right 
hand, with the fingers extended, hooked, tips outward, hand horizontal, 
is passed outward under the left hand, and quickly drawn backward 
again behind the left hand, as though seizing aTid subsequently con- 
cealing the article. (Jk(h)ta I.) "Stealing and concealment." 

The left arm is partly extended and held horizontally so that the left 
hand will be, palm downward, a foot or so in front of the chest. Then, 
with the right hand in front, a motion is made as if something were 
grasped deftly in the fingers and carried rapidly along under the left 
arm to the axilla. {Mauflan and Hidatm 1.) 

Xo special sign for this unless the [)oitrayal of a Texan (see 
Tr) bal Signs) be acceiited as the INIescalero type for a thirf, as these 
l)oor wretches are said to have been dreadfu'iy harassed and plundered 
by Texans (tay-ha-uas) for many years. Patricio gave several narra- 
tives; in one the Texans came and drove o^'his horses; in anotiier the 
Texans entered a house and took (shown by a quick grabbing) property. 
(Apache III.) 

Dcaf-nuitc natural xigns. — Look around, put forward the hand, aud 
dose it as if to take something, and move it to tlieside. (Ballard.) 



251 

Bend forward your body and bring Hie hand, elinched, in the manner 
of taking something under your arm, at the .same time h)oiiing around 
as if to see tliat no one lias seen your deed, {('ronx.) 

Take anything si>oken of and i>ut tlie liaiid in the |jo<'kct. and turn 
and run away. (Ldrsdii.) 

Use the liand as if to take .something, at the same time look around 
as if to see if somebody comes. {Zcujh-r.) 

Italian sigu. — The open hand held before the face, and the lingers, be- 
ginning with the little one, turned round in a wheel, .signifies a robbery. 
{n>itU>:) 

A horse. 



To ex[)ress horse stealing they saw with the right hand down upon the 
extended fingers of the left, thereby denoting roiie-ciitting. (IJiirtun.) 

Left hand horizontal, tlat. in fiont and as high as the elliow. LJight 
hand arched, joined, thuml) resting near end of forelinger. downward 
(similar to \), and passed slowly under the left, backward toward the 
elbow and (juickly across to its own .side, to show crawling up to a 
horse, cutting its lariat and making otf quickly. {Ihihuta III.) 

Steaiiihoat. 

The sign for Sstioke is made with the right hand exteniled u])ward 
at the side and above the head, and then with the mouth make the 
putfing .sound in imitation of the sound from the escape-])ipes. (Dako- 
ta I.) "From the pufting sound of the escapei)ipes, which can be heard 
a considerable di.staiice on a still day, and the smoke from the smoke- 
stack." 

Make the sign for Walei', by placing the tlat right hand Itetbre the 
face, i)oiuting upward and forward, the back forward, with the wrist as 
high as the iio.se; then draw it down and inward toward the chin : then 
with both hands indicate the outlines of a horizontal oval figure from 
before the body back to near the chest (being the outline of the deck) ; 
then place both flat hands, ])oiuting forw ard, thumbs higher than the 
outer edges, and push them forward to arm's length (illustrating the for- 
ward motion of the vessel). (Kaioica I; Coriiaiichc 111: Apaclic II; 
Wichita 11.) 

$tiii;;v, <.'ovelous. Cowardly, A:i'. 

First lay the palm of the riglit hand, horizontal, over the left breast; 
then make the sign for Aiii^ei*, l)y carrying the fist (B -) downward, 
iu front of the body, from the face toward the left to the level of the 
heart, but not with any euiphasi.s; and then the sign for Iwood is made 
liy opening the hand, turning it palm downward (!*il), and cairying 



\ 



252 

oat from the breast for a foot or more, and then turning the hand, 
thumb downward, back toward the left, and carrying it out to the right 
side of tlie body on the same level, which is the sign for IVo or ^»t. 

(J)al-ofn I.) 

:\rake the sign for Brave, dJeiieroifxi, at the end of which sign 
the riglit hand is o])ened as in (T 1), niodilied b.\ back of hand being 
more concave and swept semicircularly outward and downward from 
the right side of head. ( Ofo I.) " No good will, generosity, or courage." 

Bring the left hand against the shoulder, with the elbow slightly be- 
fore tlie hip, then tap the elbow with the knuckles of the right hand 
from lielow upward. {Aixtehe I.) 

Curve the fingers of the left hand so that their tips rest against the 
inner edge of the thuuil), which should be about an inch from the palm ; 
then bring the hand slowly to the pit of the stomach, back to the front. 

(Uteh) 

^tii'i'iiP' 

ilake first the sign for Hoi'isie and next the sign for ^iadille ; then 
catch the right hand, with its index hooked as in position (I), index 
more opened, by the left in similar position. Then raise the foot (either) 
and catch its sole by the hooked index of the left hand. Holding the 
leg thus, as half-mounted, throw tlie left arm into the air as the leg over 
a horse. (Otu and Missouri 1.) "Something hooked to catch the foot 
when mounting a saddled horse.'' 

Stone. 

The right hand shut, give several small lilows on the left. {Duni)ar.) 

Close the right hand, and strike the palm of the left hand two or 
three times with it. (Iaukj.) 

If light, act as if picking it up : if heavy, as if drojjping it. {Burton.) 

Fingers of right hand closed, thumb lying along the tips, struck once 
or twice into the pahn of the left hand. {Cheyenne I.) 

With the back of the arched right haiul (II) strike repeatedly in the 
l)alm of the left, held horizontal, back outward, at the height of the 
breast and about a foot in front ; the ends of the lingers point in oppo- 
site directions. {Dakota I.) From its use when the stone was the oidy 
hammer. 

The right haml points to the earth with the extended index; then 
both hands, lingers divergent (as in PI), iMverted, approximate at the 
points of index-finger and thumb, then diverge until in descending the 
points of ring and little fingers touch the ground. The fingers then 



253 

ai>i)r<)acli each other at tlieir points nnitbiinly and diverux' three times. 
(Oto itnd Missouri 1.) " Soiuethinf;-. that wouhl lill tlie haiiil, whieh hes 
scattered on the earth." 

]>r<if-)iiutc iii(tiir((l siijn. — Imitate tlie aetioii ot pickiii;;- uji and throw- 
inu' a stone, and sometimes witli indications of the size and form of 
the object l)y means of tlie left fist. {Bulldrd) 

Store. 

First make the si^u for White litail, then for Ti|»i, and linally 
for Tra<iiil$:'. [Dahda 1.) '^ White man's house where we swap 
goods.'' 

:\Iake the sign for "Wliite iiiaiiV lioii<ke. and To buy. (h'niowa 
I; Ciimanehi' 111: ApKclic II ; Wichita II.) 

Stove. 

First ]ioint to a jiiece of iron, and then with rhe Iiands in front of the 
body nialie the shape of a box-stove, and eoini)lete by the sign for Fire. 
(]>((hila I.) " Iron of the stove and tire." 

Sttnly, To; to <lelil>erate. 

The arm is flexed and the iiand assnnies type-position (O 1) moditied 
by the ttngers being more curved, cnp-shai)ed. The arm is then elevated 
anil the hand twisted sjiirallx' from left to right u|iward before the cen- 
ter of the forehead. (Oto <ini} Missimri I.) '• To I'cvolve in mind." 

StiiiiiBtie. To. 

Hold the left hand Hat, edgewise, extended before thi' breast, back to 
the front, fingers pointing to the right; then move the tlat right hand, 
])alm toward the boily and lingers iiointing downward, forward toward 
the left, and as the backs ot lingers of the right strike the palm of the 
left drop the right hand over to the front and downward a short dis- 
tance. (Ktii(i/r<( I; VoiihuivIk' III; Apachell; Wichita II.) " To strike 
an ol)ject, and to trip or stumble." 

StoriM. Teuji»e«»t. or lliirrieaiie. 

The three signs for W^iiid, IliS', and Fear, in that order. (Dun- 
bit r.) 

ilake the Raill sign, then, if thunder and lightning are to be ex- 
pres.se.d, move, as if in anger, the body to and fro, to show the wrath of 
the elements. {Burfan.) 

Sign for Clouds is also used for storm. {Ihd-otn I.) ''Gathering of 
the clouds before a storm." 



254 

Deaf-mute natural sir/n. — Rain indicatwl by a repeated downward 
motion of the extended Angers. Wind, hy a sidewise sweeping motion 
of the hands and lilowing throngh the lips. (BallanJ.) 

!Stroii$i, ^treiis^tli. 

The hands are clinched ; the left forearm is held almost perpendicularly 
near the breast, so that the fist is nearly opposite to the throat; the 
right arm is then carried up between the left and the breast, and coa- 
tiuued on over the left list to the outside of the latter; the right arm is 
then brought down so as to liave the same direction with the other, and 
the fists rest opposite to eacli other in a line from the breast. This 
motion reseinl>les tlie act of wringing a thiclc towel. If he would say 
" I am strong," he strikes liimself upon the breast two or three times 
witli liis flst previously to the motion above described. If he would 
say "you are strong," lie previously points to you, etc. {Lomj.) 

Deaf-mute natural siijn. — Imitate tlie action of a person exerting mus- 
cular force. (Jlallard.) 

Applied to man or animal. 

Both arms raised on their respective sides to level with tlie shoulders, 
back of bands upward, fists (A.) are quickly thrown downward to the 
level of the stomach on their respective sides, and brought to a sudden 
stoj) with a rel)ouuding motion. Tlie muscle of the arms, chest, and 
back are all brought into action in making this sign. [Balota 1.) " Ex. 
liibitiiig musiuilar power.'' 

As a cord, rope, etc. 

With both hands in front of the Vireast, fists (D), hands seiiarated a 
few inches, make movements as tliough imlling on a cord or rope that 
would not yield. In addition to the muscles of the arms, etc., those of 
tlie face are brought more into action than in the above sign. [Jkikota 
I.) "Oaninjt break it. It is strong."' 

KiibiaiBwwioii, 

With both hands in front of face, open ( W, i>alins oblicjue, downward, 
with the little-finger edge of the hands lowest), the fingers clo.se to 
and pointing together, the head is slightly inclined forward and eyes 
cast down, hands are moved obli(piely inward and downward till they 
come cU)se to or reach the breast. Cienerally repeated two or three times 
(Cheyenne 11.) 

The right hand, with fingers extended (S), is carried to the right and 
to the left in front of the body and back to in front of the right slioulder, 
where all tlie fingers are closed excepting the index, which points up- 
right, back of hand outward, and then the hand is thrown slowly for- 
ward in front of the body so that it is horizontal, back downward, index- 



255 

liiiiier poiiitiiif;- obliquely fiirward and downward. (I>nl;ota I.) "The 
first part of tliis sij;n means evcrythinii' is clear; notliinj;- of tliis matter 
to come np liereafter; and tlie latter part, ' I accept, I yield, .submit.' " 

«n§'ar. (Comiiare Nweel.) 

Therio'ht arm is V)ent at a ri.yiit an^le, and tlie liaiui, in tyi)e-position, 
(K 1, modified by tlie palm facing tlu^ moutli), is mad(^ to slowly and 
j;ently toucli tlie ton,i;ne witli tlie iialm point of the index linjicr. The 
hand is tlien droiijied and approaches the tonunea scanul liiiif in a semi- 
circle, the countenance and mouth indicatini;' jileasiire. {Oto mid Mix- 
fioufi 1.) " Hoiiiethin.n' that can lie tasted twice with ideasure." 

Tlie riyht Iiand, bade outward, lini^crs as in (l^), iiiit tui'ned down 
ward, is carried from in front of the body upward to the lips, and a 
sound made by suckin,i;- in air. (Dakota 1.) " It is sweet; 1 lilce it." 

NiiisiiaitT. 

fJoth hands, lingei's and thumiis sejiarated (<|, finsicrs downward), are 
moved outward to front and ujiward as far as arms will reach. The 
hands need not be in shape till they are out at arm's Iciimth. The sign 
is stationary. (Chci/i'inic II.) " Supi)osed to represent rays and heat 
of sun striking down." 

Make the sign for CHi*at«>>i in front of the body, carrying the hand 
upward two or three feet from the ground, indicating that the grass is 
long; and then the left hand, representing a Trot', is held in front 
of the breast, and witli tlie right hand make movements as though inck. 
iug something from it and luitting in the mouth. (Ihthota 1.) "The 
time when the grass is long and the ciierries are ripe: hence, summer." 

Make the sign for (iir:iw!« ij;'ruwiiliA', /. c, mo\(? the right hand Ih.iii 
the ground upward three or four inches at a time. [Jhihita IV.) "Tiie 
grass getting higlier and higher." 

Point to the sky, then pass the jjalins, turned u])ward, to the right and 
left, horizontally, before the breast. (Dakota VI.) 

The countenance assumes an oppressive mien ; the right arm is ele- 
vated and the index-fiuger iu tyiie-position (J), points to the sun in the 
zenith; both hands then wave above the head, iu type-position (P 1) 
modified by being inverted ; tlie hands, thus resembling the direct rays 
of the sun, ajiproach the head. (Oto and Missouri I.) '-The time when 
the rays of the sun descend direct and op|U'ess us." 

Same sign as for Hot. (Kaioira 1; Comanche III; Ajniche 11 ; ir/(7((7(( 
II.) 

Made in the same manner as that for Warm. (Apache I.) 



256 

$<»iiii. (Compare Day.) 

The tUuiub and finger, foriuius- a circle, elevated in front toward the 
face. [Dunbar.) 

The forefinger and thninl) are hronght together at tips so as to form 
a circle, and held up toward the sun's track. iLonr/.) 

Form a small circle with the foretitigersand hold them toward heaven. 
(Wicfl.) 1 have given you this sign. [Matthews) There is no visible 
identity in the execution of the [Oto I) sign and WieWn, although a 
seeming sinularity in conception exists: the similarity in the signs for 
day explains the practice of speaking of a day as after one or more suns. 
[Boteler.) 

Join the tips of the thumb and foretinger of the same hand, the inte- 
rior outline approximating a circle, and indicate thus the projection of 
its disk against the sky. [Arapaho I.) 

liight-hand linger crooked, elevated, and held toward tiie east. 
[Chci/enne I.) The crook is an abVireviatiou of the circle representing 

the orb. 

IMght hand closed, the index and thund) curved, with tips touching, 
thus approximating a ciicle, and held toward the sky. [Ahsaroh'a I; 
Shoshoni and Banal: I; I'te I ; Wyandot I.) 

Itight hand extended at side of body on a lexel with the head; with 
the forefinger and thumb describe a crescent, other fingers closed. [Da- 
lot(( 1.) 

Make the sign for Day, and then tiex the right index and thumb 
until their* ends are about four inches apart; or, as some do, uutd they 
are an inch and a half apait; or, as most do, bring the ends together; 
nearly close the other fingers and raise the hand in front of the fore- 
head. The ulnar (inner) edge of the hand is usually turned toward 
the part of the sky where the sun is supposed to In- : for sunrise, toward 
the east; for noon, toward the zenith; for sunset, toward the west. [Da- 
lota IV.) 

Clo.se the right hand, curve the index-finger in the form of a half- 
circle, and in this position hold the hand ui)ward toward the sun's track. 
[Dahlia V.) 

Close the right hand, forming a circle with the thuudj and index, 
then hold the hand toward the sky. [Dalwta VIT.) 

The partly bent index and thund) of the right hand are brought 
together at their tips, so as to represent a circle; and with these digits 
next to the face the hand is held \\\) toward the sky, from one to two 
feet from the eye and in such a manner that the glance maybe directed 
through the opening. [Mandan and Ilidatsal.) 



257 

The rij^ht arm is cleviitt'd, then exteiKU'd tti the h'ft on a h'vel witli 
the left (U'ltoid pronuuenee. Tlie hand is in tyiie position (I 1) inoditicd 
by beiug horizontal. The hand and arm tlins ]iointin,i;- to tlic Orient, 
describes next t^ie arc of the vanlt of the heavens and slowly sinks, 
wavering, extended from shoulder, pointinji' to the west. The si;.;n for 
Iji^t'llt is next execnted. (Oto miil Missimri I.) "Tliat wliicii passes 
throui^h the lieaven's vanlt, sheddinj; li.uht." 

Raise the rij^ht hand above tlie head, holdin;;' the open palm toward 
the sky (snn in prayer). {I'oiil:ii 1.) •' Wakanda — I'rayinu' to the sun." 

Join the tijisof the index and thumb so as to form a circlf, close llii> 
remainin.i;' tinii'ers and hold the Jiand toward the sky, with the outer 
edge forward. (Kdimrn I; CoDKiiiclir III : Aiiachi' II : IVicliilii II.) 

F(n'm aeirele with the index and thumb, tii)s touehmi;-, the remaining 
fingers closed, and liold them toward tlu'. sky. (Ajinclii' 1.) 

Deaf-mute natural uli/ii. — I'oint toward the sky, make a circle with the 
forefinger, and wink as if dazzled Iiy the sun's rays. {i:allanl.) 

Eclipse of. 

First make the sign for the !<»iiii, aiul then the sign for Dead. 
De.ttli. {Dakota I.) •' The sun is dead." 

J^iiii-do^tN' (Compare Aurora Itorcaliw.) 

First make the sign for the ^lin, direi'tly iu front of the iioil.v with 
the right hand, and then the sign for Fire, on the same level ami at 
both sides of it at the sanu' time. {Dakota I.) '-Fire l)uilt to lieat the 
winter snn. 

Siiiii'iwe. 

^lake the sign for l>ay, at the same time indicating juisition of the 
sun, just above the horizon, as in sign for Mini. {Arapaho 1.) 

Make the sign for the Mini, but i)oint the crescent in the direction of 
the rising sun in the horizon, and then carry it slightly upward. {Da- 
kota I.) "The coming up of the sun." 

Make the sign for .^loriiiii;;', and tlnui the sign for Muii. liolding 
the inner edge of the hand toward the east and raising it a little. 
{Dahita IV.) " T^ncovering the sun." 

Deaf-mute natural .si(in. — Thi' same sign as Kiiii. with the addition of 
pointing to the eastern horizon. [Ballard.) 

SiiiiNet. 

Make the sign for ^'ig-hl, at the same time indicating ])osition of the 
sun, just below horizon, as in sign for Sliil. {Arapalio I.) 
33 



••258 

Kiglit-liaud forertiiscr crooked, as in sigu for Horning', lowered 
toward the western horizon. (ChciU'iiiic I.) 

I'oiut the crescent sign for f^iiii, in the direction «f the settiuj; suu 
in the horizon and below it. (Dal-ota I.) " Suu has disappeared from 
view." 

Make the sigu for !»»iiii, holding the inner edge of the hand toward 
the west and lowering it a little, then make the sigu for ^Viglit. [Da- 
kota IV.) 

Deaf-miitv iidtiiral sic/n. — The same .sign as for the 81111, and poiuting 
to the western horizon. {BuUaytl.) 

Superior. See Ahi'n<l. 

Siigiplicntioii. 

Italian sk/n. — Falling upon the kuees and clasping the hands or laying 
the palms together shows the supplication of a beggar. (Bntlcr.) 

Surprise. (Compare Admiration and AVoniler.) 

Throw the head and body backward with a (piick motion and express 
surprise by facial emotions and the eyes. See connection with Horror 
under that word. Wonder \ti includedin the sign for iS'»»7;r/.se. (Dakota I.) 

The right hand, palm inward, with the lingers slightly bent, is placed 
over the mouth in such a way as to lea\e the lips free to articulate. 
The index rests on the upper lip, but the palm does not touch the 
mouth. The thumb commonly rests against the right side of the nose, 
and one or more tinger-tips on the face to the left of the mouth. While 
the hand is thus held, low groans, exclamations, or expressions of sur- 
prise are uttered. iMandan and ITidatsa I.) 

Clinch the fists and shrink away. Fists must be near waist and not 
at chin, as in Fear. {Apache III.) 

Deaf-mute natural sii/n. — Part the li])s, arch the eyebrows, and raise 
tlie hand. (Ballard.) 

Surrender. See Quiet. 

Surround. 

At the height of the breast, backs of hands obliquely upward, thumb 
and Ibretinger of each extended, curvi'd, and brought nearly together; 
other tingers of both hands closed. (Dakota I.) "Closing in on or sur- 
rounding anything." 

Siin-ouiided. 

Form a circle about eight inches in diameter by extending and sepa- 



259 

ratin.u- liotli tliuiiilis ami ftnvliiiui'is. and lioldiim the liaiiils opposite 
each other witli iialiiis inward: tiicii move tlic iiands alioni six inclies 
from side to side. (Diiknta IV.) 



Surronndini, tin- hisoi 



The .si.uii for lti<<^oii is tirst made: tiic liami, witii tlic forelin.ucrs and 
thumbs in a semicircle, arc tlicii ln-ouuhl two or three times t(>;;cl]icr. 
(Ldiiff.) 

First make the si.uii for RJM>ll and then the si^n for Kiirroiiiid- 
ili;t'. (Duhita I.) 

!4>ii<>l»ii-ioii. 

ItdJ'xiii siijii. — Draw down one lower eycli<l. which is as nuK'h as to 
say, " Let nie open my eyes a little u idcr." A man convinced that others 
wish to im]iosc u]ion liim, and wishiiii;' to let them know tiiat he is not 
im]iosed njion, jioints a tinu'i'r at his eye as if to say. *• My eye is wide 
open and sees what you are aliout." (Utitlcr.) 

SwalSow, To. MtvaHoniii^. 

Sliyhtly tlex the lingers of the ri^ht haml and ]placi' the thumb 
against the side of the index, the hand directed forward, palm iipwai-d, 
in front of the ri.ijht breast, and, while tarnin.i;' the hand oNcr. move it 
lirst ui)war(l, then backward thronuh aciirve to the mouth, and then 
downward to the to]) of the breastb<uie. {Jtiikotd IN'.) 

Sweet. (Compare .^iis'Jii" and Koiir.) 

Ti[> of foretiuu-er touched against the tij) of tonuiie; siun for 4>04>(I. 

(Chcyouic I.) 

Same as the si)i-n for §ioiir. omitting tlu' s]>ittin,u'. ami smacking the 
lil)S instead, (hahitd \.] ••(iood; I like it." 

]>eaf-inuic iii(ti(ral .sifpL — Any agreeable taste would be imUcated by 
smacking the lips. (Ballnnl.) 

Switt, sw iriiie<»«>. 

The two index-fiugers are held jparallel together and jxtiuting tb]-ward : 
the riglit one is then passed rapidly forwaril. [[ahuj.) 

Left liand held liorizontal, with palm downward, fingers extended, 
joined, pointing outward ( W), about 1- inches in front of breast: pass 
the riglit hand, carried oittward from the riglit breast, by the stationary 
left, with a rapid motion. {Ihikntit I.) "The switt iiassing tlu' slow." 

Jhiif-nmlf iKttiinil si;/)!. — .V slight moving of the body from side to 
side in rajiid succession, and a slight movement of the feet on the floor. 
iBoUirrd.) 



260 

Italiitii AvV//(. — The collo(iuial phrase, "hau<l over liaiul," exactly de- 
scribes the Italiau uiotioii to express the same idea, namely, to do any- 
thing rai)idly. {Butler.) 

Hwiiii, •sniiiiiiiiiis'. 

The foretinyer of the right hand extended outward and moved to 
and fro. (J>i(iibar.) 

Hands l)rought together in front of the body about a foot (^V), with 
fingers i)ointing outward ; make a series of sidewise movements of the 
hands toward the right and left, on a curve, in imitation of the move- 
ments of the hands and arms in swimming. (Dal-ota I.) " Froui the 
act of swimming." 

Sword. 

]Make the motion of drawing it. {Bnrfon.) 

Right hand flattened, fingers pointing upward, little finger front; 
motion made forward to imitate cutting. {Cheycitne I.) 

The left hand is closed, allowing the forefinger to be extended and 
pointing forward before the body; then, with the thumb and index of 
the right, pretend to pick off small particles of imaginary foreign bodies 
from various sides of the forefinger. (Absuraka I; Shoslioni aiid Baiiak 
I.) •' From the ulcerating or 'eating' nature of the disease." 

Talk. See >i|>enk. 

Taste. (Compare Sweet and Sour.) 

Touch the tongue-tip. (Burton.) 

Right-liand fore and middle fingers, pointed upward, touched to tij) 
of tongue. {Chci/eune 1.) 

Simply touch the forefinger of the right hand to the tongue. {Dakota 
I.) •' From the act of tasting." 

Put one forefinger in the other palm, then to tongue. {Apache III.) 

Telegrapli. 

Left index extended and held in front of the body, horizontal and 
pointing toward the right, back outward, is struck smartly crosswise 
several times by the right index, edge of hand downward, and then the 
sign for Talking" or Speaking' is made to complete it. {Dakota I.) 
"The first ])aitof this sign denotes the striking of the key." 

Tell. See Speak. 



261 

Texan. (Coiiii)iir(' WIcal.) 

Place widely cxUmkUmI tliiiiiibs and forcfi liners as if inclosiiii; a very 
larjie hat hrini, out by sides of head. {Apurlir 111.) '-Such heiii^- 
esteemed by Texaiis." 

Thanks. (Coiniiare <iil:i(l.) 

Tliaiik y«ii, oi', more strictly, III vokin;;' :i blessing'. 

The ri,:^ht hand npriuht. opened and relaxed, lingers se]iarated a lit- 
tle, palm forward, is placed near the person's forehead and then mo\ed 
downward in front of the lace to the steriinm, the hand beinji' at the 
same time bent at the wrist until it l)ei-omcs horizontal. (Ddkotn \\ .) 
" r.oth hands are frequently drawn downward in front of the face."' 

Thcll. See Steal. 

Tiiere, I have been. 

Hold the open left hand, its palm obliquely b.u'kward and upward, a 
foot in front of the chest; then, the right hand being closed excepting 
the index, which js to be extended upward, strike its palm and hnger.s 
against the palm of the left and hold tlie two hands still for a few .sec- 
onds. (I)iih,i(t IV.) 

Thiek. 

Fir.st make the sign for Tliill, and then the sign for .\o, or .\«t, 
and then the two hands, with fingers extended and joined, are held 
horizontal, six or seven inches ai>art, in front of the breast, with their 
palmar surfaces toward one another. (l><(l;til(i 1.) "Not thin." 

Thin. See Poor. 

Think; tiitiess. (Compare Sliuly.) 

I'ass the tbreliuger sharply across tht^ breast from right to left. 
(BtuioH.) 

(1) llight-hand lingers and thumb loosely closed, foretinger crooked, 
sliglitly extended : (2) dipjx'd over toward and suddenly forward from 
left shoulder or upper arm. {Vliri/cnnc I.) 

Kight hand carried to the left breast, with the fore and second tinger.s 
exteniled, pointing downward, ol)liipiely toward the left, back outward 
(jV, turned obliquely downward), make several outward and inward 
movements of the extended fingers oidy. {Ihtkata I.) " • Sloj)! k't me 
think.' The heart is regarded as the seat of all the functions of life, 
hence the sign of thinking from that organ."' 

Hold the left hand, pointing toward the right i)alm, backwanl. a foot 
in front of the neck; then move the right hand, i)alm toward the left, 
from an npriglit position just l)elow the month over the left to arm's 



262 

leiigtli, tnniiiig the cud of the right liaiid downward until it points for- 
ward. {Dakota IV.) " The mind going .straight forward." 

Clinch the right hand and place the radial side (either the thnndj or 
the middle joint of the index) against the lower portion of the forehead ; 
the fist is usually placed between the eyes. At the same time the head, 
with eyes to the ground, is incliiUMl and rested against the fist, as if in 
meditation. (Dakota VI, VII.) 

Uit the chest with closed tist, thumb over the fist. {Omaha I.) 

Deaf-mute natural nifjii. — In the sense of Suppone or I'rcsume the sign 
was made by nodding tlie head slightly, accompanied by a steady fixing 
of the eye. ( BaUanJ. ) 

Italian .siijii. — The forefinger on the forehead denotes either effort of 
thought or force of talent. {Butler.) 

Tliiieider. 

The sign of Kaiai accompanied by the voice imitating the rumbling 
sound of thunder. (Dnnhar.) 

Hands ])artially closed, backs outward, elevated to the ears; mo^■ed 
slightly out and in ; face expressing annoyance or i)ain. (Vheyeniie I.) 

Another: The sign for To Sing' exaggerated. {Cheyenne I.) "Great 
voice or big sing." 

Right hand raised as high above the head as possible (with the hand 
as T), bring it down in front of the liody with a quick motion, snapping 
the fingers, and sei)arating them (as <J), the fingers pointing downward, 
back of hand outward. Same sign includes I^ii^iitllilli;'. Thunder 
and lightning so freciuently accompany each other as to suggest to the 
Indian the idea of constancy; hence no separate sign for lightning. 
{Dakota I.) 

From positions near together in front of the face, palms forward, sep- 
arate the upright clinched hands about eighteen inches, and then, turn- 
ing the palms inward, move the hands backward, one on each side of 
the head. {Dakota IV.) " Spreads and goes away." 

Tie, To. 

Make a circidar motion around, over, and above the left hand — held 
in front of breast (fist, \ 1) — with the right hand, with thumb and fore- 
finger extended, crooked and meeting (other fingers closed), back of hand 
upward, of closed fingers outward, and then i)ass the right hand under 
the left, with thumb and forefinger separated and <lra\vn inward or back- 
ward again as though having seized hold of something and pulling hard 



263 

on it, after which tlio li.nht liaiid is droijped downward. (Dakoln I.) 
" Putting a hiriat around the pole and making it secure. Securing the 
horse." 

Time. 

The seasons, corresponding with our divisions of winter, spring, sum- 
mer, and autumn, are denoted liy tiicir apiuopriate signs— H'/yi/o-. by 
CoIjI <ir Know; Sprimj. by tin <*>|M-iii;;iii;; up <»r ||i(> (;r:i<«-«; 
Summer, h\ I^oii;;' <>ii'aM>i, the Timr Clirrric^ .\rv ISi|M-. etc.; 

and Ai(liimn,Uy tiie Falliiii;' of t lie I>»'av«'«i. Il»iir of tlie day 
is ap])ro.\imately denoted by tlie l*o<>iti4»ii of llu- «>iiiii. A Month 
(one moon) is also (h'noted by its appropriate sign. I )ays and nights 
can also be so denoted. {Ddhatii 1.) 

DriiJ'-mtitv iiaiund sujii. — No general sign. .\ ildji is indicated by 
moving the i'orelinger across the sky; parts o^ \\w iliiji h\ portions of 
this movement; <J<iiis numbered by sleeps, that is, by inclining the head 
on the hand repeatedly; /»»*», by the index-linger of the I'iglit hand 
ai)plied to that of the left, as for the tiiue when the hands of the clock 
meet and both jioint to the hour twelve. (lUdhird.) 

I'uture. 

The arms are tiexed and hands brouglit together in front of body as 
in type-position ( W). The hands are made to move in wave-like mo- 
tion nj) and (h)wn together and from si(h' to side. [Oto 1.) '• floating 
on the tide of time." 

Count otf lingers, then shut all thi' lingers of both hands several 
time.s, and touch the hair and tent. (Apiichc 111.) '-.Many yi^ar.s; 
when I am old (white-haired)." 

Deaf-mute natural Ktijn. — To denote a future time, the sign is made by 
putting the hand on the cheek with the head slightly inclined, meaning 
<hujii, and counting on the finger.s to (h'uote hoir many. There is no 
specific sign to distinguish the past fi-om the future, (liallanl.) 

Lonu'. 



Place the hands eh)se together and then move them slowly asuu(h'r, 
80 slowly that they seem as if they would never complete the gesture. 
{Cheyenne .sign. Eeport of Lieut. ./. IT. Abert, lac. rit.. p. i'-'ii.) -'This 
was used in narrating a tradition and referring to great anti(piit\ in time; 
akso ai)])lied to great, indefinite distance." 

Signs foi- Mleegi and .^laiiy. {Arapaho I.) Liti'rally, -'luany sleeps." 

Fingers of both hands clasped as though h<ilding a string, left hand 
remaining stationary, right hand drawn along the imaginary string in 
proportion to the length of time to be represented. It also means old 
in the abstract. {Cheyenne 1.) 



264 

Phiw till' luuuls as ill Time (Short); then draw tliom apart any 
distance tliougbt necessaiy by the talker to convey the idea. (Chey- 
enne II.) 

Both hands in front ui' the l>reast, thumb and forefinger of each 
extended, curved, and ineetingat tips (other fingers closed), hands hori- 
zontal, backs outward, second phalanges of little fingers joined, then 
the hands are separated by slowly carrying right to right, left to left, 
still horizontal, and on the same level, by a series of sliort stops, as 
though i)assing a string between the thumb aiul forefinger of each and 
tightening on it, arms carried to full extent at sides of body. {Dnlota 
I.) " :\laking time." 

Throw the upright opened right hand forward three times from the 
wrist just ill front of the right ear, the palm inward, fiugers joined, 
thumb separated a little from the index. (Dakota IV.) 

Hold the left hand, closed, about a foot in front of the left shoulder, 
the forefinger extended and pointing upward ; then close the right hand, 
index only extended, horizontal; touch the tip of the left forefinger with 
the tip of the index, and draw the right hand liackward to the right 
.shoulder. (Shoslioiti and Banal- I.) 

Place the left hand in front of the chest, the tips of the thumb and 
forefinger touching, with remaining fingers tightly closed ; with the 
fingers and thumb of the right hand similarly placed ; bring the tips of 
thumb and index of the right against those of the left, and draw them 
slowly apart, the left hand forward and outward from the left side, and 
the right backward over the front of the right shoulder. (Kuioioa I; 
Comanehclil-, Apache IV \ Wichita II.) 

Another : tlold the left hand about twelve inches in front of the left 
.shoulder, tips of foretiuger and thumb touching; then bring the tip of 
the index against that of the thumb, the right touching those of the left, 
and draw them slowly apart, luinging the right hand toward the right 
shoulder as if drawing out a long thread. ( Wyandot I ; Kaiowa I ; Co- 
manche III ; Ajyachell; Wichita II.) 

Place the thumb and forefinger of each hand as if holding a small pin, 
place the two hands (in this position) as if holding a thread in each hand, 
and bet^veen the thumb and forefinger of each hand close together, and 
let the hands recede from each other, still holding the fingers in the 
same position, as if letting a thread slip between them, until the hands 
are two feet apart. ( Wichita I.) 

Lately, recently. 

Right-hand fiugers and thumb extended straight upward, separated 



265 

(R), is broujjht up to side of face (ii.i,'lit) witli palm toward face, and 
movi'd backward and forward two or three times, (aiici/ciinc II.) 

Hold the left hand at arm's length, closed, with forelinf;er oidy ex- 
tended and pointing in tlie direction of the place where tln^ event oc- 
curred; then hold tlie rijiht hand against the rijilit shoulder, dosed, hut 
with index extended and pointinj;' in the direction of the left. Tin; 
hands may be exchanged, the right extended and the left retained, as 
the case may reiiuire for ease in descrii)tion. (Ahsdnih-ii I ; Shoslioiti und 
Baiiak I.) 

The flat 0[)eu riglit hand, turned l);ick toward the riglit, lingers ex- 
tended, pointing upward (S), is carried liackward and Ibrwaid at the 
right siile of the head, and then tiie right hand is passed by the Ictt 
hand, held horizontal, back toward the left {S tuiiied h(ui/,ontal in- 
stead of upright), about a foot and a half iTi front <>f tiic face. (I>iiki>t<i 
I.) " Gone by in time." 

Extend the right index, half close the other fingers, thumb against 
the middle finger, and after i)lacing the hand, back outward and well- 
extended, on the upright forearm, four or six inches in front of the rigiit 
ear, throw it forward about four inches three times, by jerks, from the 
wrist. {Dakota IV.) 

Long ago. 



Both hainls closed, forefingers extended and straight ; jdace one hand 
at arui's length, pointing horizontally, the other against tin; shoulder or 
near it, i)ointing in the same direction as the o[)posite one. Fre(juently 
the tips of the forefingers are placed together, and the hands drawn 
apart, until they reach the positions described. (Ahsaroka 1 ; Slioshoni 
and lianak I.) 

Place the flat riglit hand, palm forward, near the si(l(^ of the head, and 
wave it by interrupted movements outward toward the right, gradually 
turning the palm more and more to the right. {Kaiaica \\ Cumanche 
III; Apaehe II; ^yk'Mta II.) 

Another: Pass the right hand, Hat and extemled, edgewise and ])oint- 
ing upward from over tlie shoulder, outward toward the right in a 
waving motion, so that at each movement the hand is farther from the 
head, and at last the palm is turned nearly to the right. {Kaioica I; 
Comanclie III; Apache II; Wicliita II.) 



Short. 



The sign for Time (lion^) followed i)y that of negation. (Arap- 
aho I.) 

Both hands in front of breast, about six inches ai>art, arched (H, 
back outwai'd), thuudis and foretingers horizontal, and iK)inted toward 
34 



•2GG 

each otlicr; move slowly toji«'tlitM- till thumbs and flnfjers of each Inuul 
touch, if a very short tiuK^ is meant. {Clict/eiDie II.) 

ludicatt' hy pointinn' to the sun or above, as at the sun at hi^h meri- 
dian, and move right hand to rijjiht a short distance. Or, if sun or 
moon is seen, i)oint at, with same indication, a slow motion and short 
di.stance of rotation or ehanijc. (Ojihint IV.) 

The ri.i;iit index extended and jiointing- obli(|uely upward (K), is held 
ten or twelve iiu'h(\s in front of the breast, then the hand is turned 
hori/.ont;d, back upward, and diawn slowly inwMrd to the body, lingers 
[lointing toward the left and obliquely downwind. {Diikota I.) "A 
short distnnee in time." 

With the tips of the index and thumb of the right hand touching, 
pretend to draw a short liber held by the forefinger and thumb of the 
left. (Kiiioicd I; Cdiiiiuiclic III; ApdcheW; Wirliita \l.) 

Another: I'hiee the tii>s of th(> forelingers and thumbs together as in 
Tiiiii' (liOii;;'); then draw them about an inch ajiart. {Kuioira I; 
Comdiu'li <' in \ Apache II; Wichita II.) 

Soiiu' time ago. From a certain time mentioned. 

Uaring placed the nearly clo.sed left hand, back outward, about two 
feet in front of the lower part of the chest, and the right hand, back 
outward, about six inches back of it and a little to the right, fingers re- 
laxed and separated a little, ])ush the left hand a very little forward 
and towanl the left, and draw the right backward and toward the right 
until it is about six inches in front of the right side; then drop the left 
hand and nu)ve the right om^ from the wrist up and down about eight 
Luelies two or three times. (Dakota IV.) 



Soon. 

Eaise left hand and arm partly, palm toward the body, arm bent at 
right angle, hand and forearm drawn forward toward the body slowly, 
wilh slight bow of head toward body. {OJihira IV.) 

Very long ago. 

Wave the extended Hat right hand in an iiderrupted nuiuner outward 
and slightly backward from the right side of the head. ( Wyandot I.) 

Of day. 8ee Hour. 

Today. See Day. (Compare .\ow.) 

Tipi (lepee). See liOil$;e. 

Tired, weary. 

Strike the ])abuar surfaces of both hands (^V) against the legs about 
midway between the thighs and knees, and carry ont to the sides for a 



267 

few iijches with l)otli hands as in (W), with extended fingers pointing 
forward, eanying tlie hands downward for nine or ten inches with a 
quick motion and coming to a sudden stop. {Dakota I.) " Legs have 
given out.'' 

The left arm is ]>artl.v extended forward and is gently strnclv near 
tlie bend of the elbow, usually above it, with the ])alm of the right 
hand; at the same time the liead is usually inclined to the left side ; 
then, in sindhir manner, the right arm is extended and struck l)y the 
left hand, and the head, in turn, inclined to the right. If the sign-maker 
aims to be iiarticularly ex[uvssive, he assumes an appearance of weari- 
ness. [Maud an and Jlldal.sa I.) 

Pass the hands down the legs, hands trembling, gather arms to side, 
lists before chin, and settle elljows down in the lap; facial expression 
corroborating. (Apachr III.) "Action of an exhausted man." 

Toiiialiank, a\, linlchet. 

Cross the arms, and slide the edge of the right hand, lield vertically, 
down over the left arm. ( Wird.) Still employed, at least for a small 
liatchet, or " dress tomahawk," as I might call it. The essential jioint is 
laying the extended right hand in the iiend of the left elbow. The 
sliding down over the left arm is an almost nnavoidalile but ijuite un- 
necessary accompaniment to the sign. The sign indicates the way in 
which the hatchet is usually carried This is illustrated in Catlin's 
Xortli American Indians by no less tlnin fourteen portraits. In seven 
of these portraits the hat(-het is rci>reseiited in ditferent ](ositions. In 
one of these the position approximates that of this sign; in other.> the 
subject is so loaded down with weapons that he cannot give his ax the 
usual ]»osition, and in others there are some evidences of "ijosing" l)y 
the artist. Pipes, whips, bows and arrows, fans, and other di-ess or em- 
blematic articles of the " buck" are seldom or never canicd in the bend 
of the left elbow as is the ax. The ]iipe is usually held in the left hand. 
(Matthews.) There is not the least similarity in execution or conception 
between Wied's and the [Oto I) signs, the fornu'r being also very ob- 
scure. vSomething with a long handle and wide blade, used for chop- 
l)ing. [Tioteler.) 

Is denoted by chopping the left hand with the right. [Burton.) 

Eight hand elevated to level of chin, lingers oi)en and flattened, 
thumb lying close to and along the forelinger, whole hand bent in the 
direction of the little linger and at a right angle to the wrist. (Vlicy- 
enne I.) "The motion of chopi)ing imitated, using the forearm as the 
handle of the ax." 

Right hand in front of the l>ody as though grasping the handle of a 
tomahawk, and at the same time a slight upward and downward move- 



268 

ment of the hand is made. ( Dakota I.) " From the manner of holding 
the tomahawk." 

With right hand closed or opened, and the palm obliqnely upward 
toward the left, and the left hand opened, palm obliquely downward 
toward the right, and fingers forward, move them downward toward 
the left several times to imitate chopping with an ax. {Dakota IT.) 

Place the extended flat right hand edgewise above the left, similarly 
held, both pointing toward the left and downward, and make a simulta- 
neous cut in that direction with both. {Dakota VI; Hidatsal; Ari- 
kara I.) 

The left arm is extended, the hand edgewise, thumb up and fingers 
inclined downward, much in position (I< 1), fingers opened. The ex- 
tended right index is then brought to touch the lower thick part of the 
left hand, and then slowly drawn downward and backward to about the 
length of the handle. Both hands then, in statu quo, exert a uniform 
and simultaneous up-and-down motion, as in chopping wood. {Oto and 
Mksouri I.) " Something with a long handle by which we chop." 

The right hand, with extended index only, is brought to the mouth 
and the finger inserted ; the act of smoking is then imitated as tlie pole 
of this instrument is hollowed and handle perforated to be used as a 
pipe. The right hand is now extended in position (li 1), modified by 
fingers being opened and inclined downward. The left hand is then 
superimposed to the left in position (Ij If, modified by in^lex being 
closed. {Oto and Missouri I.) ''An ax through which one smokes." 

To-inorro« . See Day. 

Trade; barter. 

First make the sign of Exchangee, then pat the left arm with the 
right finger, with a rapid motion from the hand, passing it toward 
the shoulder. {Lont/.) 

Strike the extended index-finger of the right hand several times upon 
that of the left. ( Wied.) I have described the same sign in diflerent 
terms and at greater length. It is only necessary, however, to place 
the fingers in contact once. The person whom the Prince saw making 
this sign may have meant to indicate something more than the simple 
idea of trade, i. e., trade often or habitually. The idea of frequency is 
often conveyed by the repetition of a sign (as in some Indian languages 
by repetition of the root). Or the sign-maker may have repeated the 
sign to demonstrate it more clearly. {Matthews.) Though some differ- 
ence exists in the motions executed in Wied's sign, and that of (Oto and 
Missouri I), there is sufficient similarity to justify a probable identity of 
conception and to make them easily understood. {Boteler.) In the 
author's mind Exchange was probably intended for one transaction, in 



269 

wliich each of two articles took the place before occupied by the other, 
and r/Y((7ewas intended for a more fjeneral and systematic barter, indi- 
cated by the repetition of strokes, which the index-lingers mutually 
changed positions. 

Cross the forefingers of both hands before the breast. {Burton.) 
"Diamond cut diamond." This conception of one smart trader cutting 
into the jtrofits of another is a mistake arising from the rougli resem- 
blance of the sign to that for ('iittiii;;'. 

Cross the index-fingers. (Maajoiran.) 

Cross the forefingers at riglit angles. {Arajxdtt) I.) 

Both hands, palms facing eadi other, forefingers extended, crossed 
right above left before the breast. {Vheyenne I.) 

The left hand, witli forefinger extended, pointing toward the riglit 
(rest of fingers closed) liorizontal, back outward, otherwise as (.11), is 
held in fi'out of left breast about a foot; and the right hand, with fore- 
finger extended (J), in front of and near tlu' riglit breast, is carried out- 
ward and struck over ihe top of tlic stationary left ( + ) crosswise, where 
it remains for a moment. {Dakota 1.) 

The sign should be made at the height of the breast, liaise the right 
index about a foot above tlie left before crossing them. {Dakata l\.) 
•' Yours is there and niiiie is there; take either." 

Place the first two fingers of the riglit liaiul across tliose of the left, 
both being slightly spread. The hands are sometimes used, but are 
placed edgewise. {Dakota Y.) 

Another: The index of the right hand is laid across the forefinger 
of the left when the transaction includes but two pensons trading single 
article for article. {Dakota V.) 

Strike the back of the extended index at right angle against tlie radial 
side of the extended forefinger of the left liaiid. {Dakota VI, VII.) 

The forefingers are extended, held obliipu-ly upward, and crossed at 
right angles to one another, usually in front of the chest. {Maitdan 
and Hidatm I.) 

The palm point of the right index extended touclies the chest; it is 
then turned toward the second individual interested, then touches the 
object. The arms are now drawn toward tlie body, semiflexed, with tlie 
bands, in type-positions (W W), crossed, the right superposed to the 
left. The individual then casts an interrogating glance at the second 
person. {Oto and Missouri I.) "To cross something from one to an- 
other." 



270 

Close the bauds, except tlie iiidex-tiuger.s and tbe tliuinbs; witli them 
open, move the bauds several times past one another at tbe height of 
the breast, tbe iudex-fiugers pointing upward and the thumbs outward. 
(Iroquois I.) "Tlie movement indicates 'exchanging.'" 

Hold tbe left hand horizontally before the body, with tbe forefinger 
only extended and pointing to the right, i)alm downward; then, with 
the right hand closed, index oidy extended, palm to the right, place tbe 
index at right angles on the forefluger of tlie left, touchiug at the second 
joints. (Kaiowa 1; Comanche III; Apache II; Wichita II.) 

Pass the hands in front of tbe body, all tbe fingers closed except tbe 
forehngers. (Sahaptin I.) 

Close the fingers of both bauds (K); bring them opposite each 
shoulder; then bring the hands across each other's pathway, without 
peruiitting them to touch. At the close of the sign the left hand will be 
near and i)()intiug at the right shoulder; right hand will be near and 
pointing at the left shoulder. [Comanche I.) 

Close both hands, leaving the forefingers only extended ; place the 
right before and several inches above the left, then pass the right hand 
toward tbe left elbow and the left baud toward tbe right elbow, each 
hand following the course made by a flourishing cut with a short sword. 
This sign, according to the informant, is also employed by the Baiiak 
and Umatilla Indians. {Gonianche II; Pai-Utrl.) 

The forehngers of both hands only extended, i)ass the left from left to 
right, and the right at the same time crossing its course from tlie tip 
toward the wrist of the left, stoi^iing when the wrists cross. (Ute I.) 
" Exchange of articles." 

Hands jnonated and forefinger crossed. {ZuiTi I.) 

Deaf-mute natural .sign. — Close tbe band slightly, as if taking some- 
thing, and move it forward and open the hand as if to drop or give 
away tbe thing, and again close and withdraw tbe hand as if to take 
something else. (Jiallard.) 

Our instructed deaf-mutes use substantially the sign desci'ibed in [Man- 
dan and Hidatsa 1.) 

To buy. 

Hold the left hand about twelve inches before the breast, the thumb 
resting on the closed third and fourth Angers ; the fore and .second fin- 
gers sejiarated and exti^nded, palm toward the breast ; then pass the 
extendeil index into the (irotcli formed by the separated fingers of the 
left hand. This is au invented sign, and was given to illustrate the 
difference between buying and trading. [Ute I.) 



271 

Dmf-mnienaturnJ ftifin. — Make a ciirle on the palm of the loft liaiiil 
with the forefinger of the right hand, to ilenote coin, and close the thuiiib 
and finger as if to take the money, and ])iit the hand forward to signify 
giving it to some one, and move the hand a little apart from the place 
where it left the money, and then close and withdraw the hand, as if to 
take the thing purchased. {Ballanl.) 

lUiUnn Kkpi.— To in<lieate jiaying, in tiie language of the lingers, one 
makes as though he put something, pie(;e after piece, from one haiiil into 
the other — and gesture, however, far less expressive than that when a 
man lacks money and yet cannot make up a face to heg it; or simply to 
indicate want of money, which is to rub together the thumb an<l fore- 
tinger, at the same time stretching out the hand. {Butler.) 

Exchange. 

The two forefingers are extended in'rpendicularly, and the hands are 
theu passed by each other transversely in I'ront of the breast so as nearly 
to exchange positions. (Luikj.) 

Pass both hands, with extended forefingers, across each othi'r before 
the breast. ( Wk<l) 

Hands brought up to front of bieast, forefingers extended and other 
fingers slightly closed; hands suddenly drawn toward and jjast cai'li 
other until forearms are crossinl in front of l)reast. (Clici/eniw I.) " Ex- 
change; right hand exchanging jiosition with the left." 

Left hand, with forefinger extended, others closed {It, excej)t back of 
hand outward), is brought, arm extended, in front of the left l)reast, and 
the extended forefinger of the light hand, obli(pu'ly upwai-d, others 
closed, is placed crosswise over the left and maintained in that position 
for a moment, when the fingers of the right hand are relaxed (as in \), 
brought near the breast with hand liorizontal, i)alm inward, and then 
carried out again in front of right breast twenty inches, with palm look- 
ing toward the left, fingers pointing forward, liaTnl horizontal, and then 
the left hand performs the same inovcnients on the left side of the body. 
{T>(ihita I.) "You give me, I give you." 

The hands, backs forward, are held as iudex hands, ]>ointing upward, 
the elbows being fully bent; each hand is then, simultaneously with the 
other, moved to the opi)osite shoulder, so that the forearms cross cue 
another almost at right angles. (MkikIhii und HiiictnK I.) 

Trap (beaver.) 

The two forefingers brought suddenly together in a parallel manner, 
so as to re])resent the snapping of tiie steel trap. [Loiuj.) 



272 

Tl'avail; pluial, Travaiix or Travois. (The corrupt French 
expression for the sledge used by Indians, probably from tratneau.) 

The same sign as for Ddg:. {Dakota IV.) 
Traveling. See Cpin^. 

^Moderately ; marching. See (roiiig. 

— I With great rapidity. See Stvil't. 

T|*ee, trees. (Compare Forest.) 

Vertically raise the forefinger, pointed upward, other fingers and 
thumb closed, back of hand down. [Arapaho I.) 

Point with forefinger extended in front obliquely toward the ground,* 
and with an extending motion of arm raise the hand and arm quickly to 
an angle of over -l.jo ; extend arm at full length, then with fingers and 
thumb extended, shake the hand once or twice to indicate the branches, 
look up as if following motion of hand. {Ojib)ca IV.) 

First hold the right index in front of the breast, upright (J, back 
outward), for a moment, and then open the second and third fingers, sep- 
arate them and let them point upward in different directions, thumb 
resting on the closed little finger. {Dakota I.) "The tnink of a tree 
and its branches." 

With the hands ui)right, backs forward, fingers a little separated and 
slightly bent, the right behind the left and a foot in front of the chin, 
move the left a foot or so oblicpiely forward toward the left, and the 
right obliquely backward toward the right until it is in front of and 
near the right shoulder. {Dakota IX.) 

Hold tlie right hand before the body, back forward, fingers and thumb 
extended and separated ; then push the hand slightly upward. Made 
nuire than once in succession aiul at different points of the horizon, 
means trees or groves. {Dakota \, Y I; Hidatsa 1; Arikaral.) 

Move the right hand, finger.s loosely extended, separated and pointing 
upward, back to the front, upward from the height of the waist to the 
front of the face. For trees, not referring to a dense grove or a forest, 
the same sign is repeated several times toward different points in front of 
the body. {Kaiouml; ComancJielll; Apachell; WicJiitall.) "Trunk 
and branches." 

Grove of. 



See Trees. {Dakota V, VI; Hidatsa I ; Ankara I.) 

Raise the right arm vertically, with fingers and thumb spread, then 
grasp the arm near the shoulder with the left hand. ( Wyandot I.) 



273 

" Trunk and branches, the left liand represent hit;- the earth iiu'h)siniv 
the base of the trunk." 

True, truth. 

The t'oretinfrer passed in the attituih' nt pointiuf,', from the niontli for- 
ward in a hue c.urvinjj- a Htth> upward, the other tiiij;ers being carefully 
closed. (Long.) 

Lower the liand in front of the breast, then extend tlie index-finuer, 
raise and move it straight foiward before the jiersoii. ( H7i'(7.) I have 
described the .sign for this in much the same way. I tliiuk •■ h)\ver the 
hand" refers simply to a pre]»aratory motion; if tiie liand were iianj;- 
inj;- by the side, " raise the liand." I have usually seen tlie iiidex-tinuer 
held horizontally, not perpendicularly, if that is wliat he means liy 
raised. {Multlicns.) Tlierijiht arm i.s Hexed at the elbow and the liaud 
drawn n|) to the mouth. Tlie index-finger is extended ])aliii downward 
and made to pass steadily forward, describing an arc of a ipiadrant 
downward. Though Wicd's sign is very inexplicit, tiien^ is mucii simi- 
larity between it and the (Oto and Missouri I) both as to conceiition and 
movement. In the former, the stress is on what comes from the mouth ; 
in the latter what c(.mes from the breast. {Boteler.) "That which 
comes straight from the mouth or breast." 

If one finger is thrust forward in a straight line from the moutli, ir 
means a straight speech, or speaking the trutli. (OjUhdi 1.) 

Thrust the foretinger from the moutli dire<-t tothc front. /. c. "straight," 
not " crooked speech." Also, tlie .sign for Lie, Fnl!i>elioa(i. followed 
by that of A'ej;'atioil. [Arnpaho I.) 

Ilight-hand fingers and tluunb drooping, hold tlinmli inward agauist 
the heart ; brought up to the level of the mouth, miildle, third, and little 
finger closed, forefinger extended pointing forward, thrust suddenly, 
with a curved motion, straight forward from the mouth. {Cheyenne I.) 

The extended forefinger of the horizontal right hand (II), other tin- 
gers closed, is carried straight outward from the mouth. This is also 
the sign for Yes*. (Dakotd I.) -'One tongue; straightforward talking." 

Place the right hand in front of the mouth, back ujiward, index ex- 
tended and pointing forward, other fingers half closed, thuml) as yon 
please, move the hand forward about eight inches. Some point the in- 
dex forward and upward. {Dakota IV.) "One tongue." 

Touch the breast over the heart with the fingers of the right hand; 
then with the extended index-finger of the right hand pass it forward 
from the mouth, elevate and hold it a moment. {Dakota V.) ••This 
signifies 'one-tongued,' and coming from the heart as 'sincerity of 
thought.'" The breast, being the initial jioint, the sign nearly c-or- 
responds with the French deaf-iuiite sign tor ^iiieere. 
35 



274 

Pass the extended index, pointing upward and lonvard, forward from 
the moutli. {Dal-oft( VI, YII.) 

The sign is the same as that for Yex, except that the hand is hekl 
before and often in contact with the mouth and the motion made from 
that point. (Mamhin and Ilidat.m I.) 

The right hand is gradually brought to the mouth which is in motion 
of talking. The hand is in position (I 1) modified by the index-finger 
being more extended. The hand and index then describe the arc of a 
quadrant, the index-fijiger pointing forward, outward and downward. 
{Oto I.) "What comes straight or unvarying." 

3lake the sign for Speak, then point upward with the extended 
index. {WyamlotJ.) "Talk good." 

Pass the extended index, ])ointing upward and forward, to the front 
several times. ( Uie I.) " But one tongue ; only one way in talking — to 
the front." 

With the index only extended, pointing forward, push it forward 
from the mouth in a slightly downward direction and terminating as 
high as in the beginning. {Apache I.) 

Strike with riglit index, erect, from lips forward; repeat the move- 
ment with eniiiliasis, not returning to lips each time. [Apache III.) 
"That is so." 

liun the finger straight out from tlie center or middle of the month. 
(Zuni L) 

Deuf-mnic naturul «///». — Nod the head several times with an earnest 
look, in answer to an indication of doubt on another person's face. 

{Balliird.) 

Deaf-mutes generally give the gesture of moving one finger sti-aight 
from the lips. " Straight- forward speaking." 

Try, To; To Attempt. 

With both fists (.%., knuckles outward) in front of breast, the left a 
little in rear of the right, move outward briskly and repeat the motion 
two or three times. (Cheyenne II.) " Keep pushing." 

Eight inch^x, as (' J), carried to the right and to the left, and in front of 
the body, when the hand is turned horizontal, finger pointing straight 
outward, and then the hand is "drawn inward toward the body and 
slightly upward and then thrown forward and downward, on a curve, 
with a (piick strong movement, so that the arm is fully extended in 
front of the body, with finger horizontal and pointing outward. (Dahota 
I.) "Anything it is I will try to do." 



275 

Turkey. 

The oi)Cii liaiids hroiialit up opposite to the shonhh'rs and iiiiitatiiij;' 
slowly the motion of the wiuys of a bird, to which add the sij;ii for 
C'liiokeii. {Diinbur.) 

1'iidt-r.«t:iiid. (Compare Hear ami Know.) 

The tiufiers and tliuml) of tlie ri.i^ht hand hrou.^ht to;;ethei' near the 
tips, and then approached and receded, to and from the ear two or three 
times, with a (piick niotion'made within the distance of two or three 
inches Tiie motion of the tiugers is designed to rejiresent the sonnd 
enterinji' the ear. [Lon(j.) 

Vertically lower the hand (ri.n'ht usually employed), forelinser and 
thumb extended, other tinkers closed and nails up. in a decisive or em- 
phatic manner. This is often preceded by the siLjn of allirmation. /. t., 
Yes, I iiiidei'Mlaiiil. (Anipalio I.) 

iiig'ht hand, middle, third, and little fingers closed, forefinger extended, 
thumb cocked upward, held a short distance in front of the mouth : sign 
for Yes. (Cheyenne I.) 

To i)oint with tlie forefinger to the ear means '• I ha\c heard and 
understand." (Ojihira I.) 

Make the sign To Hear, then jilace the liand cpiickly liefbrc the 
chin, the index pointing to the left; then nn)ve the hand forward and 
downward a short distance until the palm comes api)ermost. The mo- 
tion takes place at the wrist. When the moticni is (piickly mad(> at the 
termination of the sign Hear to the beginning of that for lender- 
stand, it is equivalent to the conjunction and. (Slioslioni (ind Hnnck I.) 

Forefinger of the right liand extended and crooked, other fingers 
closed, thumb resting on tiie second, is carried behind the riglit ear. 
and then in the same position in front of the left breast, where it is held 
for a moment with hand ui)right, edge of fingers outward, back of hand 
toward the right. (Dakufa I.) -'Iliear; 1 understand." 

After making the sign for To hear, throw the back of the hand for- 
ward (retaining the jjosition of the fingers), and move it forward and 
downward. (AhsHruka 1; Jlidiifxa I; Arihtr(( I.) 

IJotli arms are flexed and foldc(l on tiie chest; the fingers are closed 
except the index, which is hook-e<l much as in position (I), index more 
opened and hand horizontal. The hands thus aie made to touch the 
sides of the chest and then passeil uniforndy forward toward the object; 
the same several times repeated. (Oto (iml .][is.si>uri I.) "Something 
known between vou and me." 



276 

Make the sign for To Hear, and by merely reversing the pahu 
coDcUule by that for To Know. Sometimes the sign for To Know 
is made only, as an abbreviation. {Kaioica I; Comanche III; Apache 
II; ^yichitall.) 

Forefinger of right hand moved quickly from behind the ear to the 
front. [Sahaptin I.) 

Another: ]\Iove right hand, palm toward head, all flugers extended 
(T 1), to a posi-ion behind ear; then mover it past the ear to a point 
in front of breast ; then turn the hand, palm down (^\ 1 ), and move 
to a ])oint, say a foot from body, and a little to the right. This last 
is sign for Hood. {Sahaptin I.) "Cutting oft' the sound or words." 

Index to breast, then to lips with a vigorous thrust upward and for- 
ward, with an aflirraative nod. (Apache III.) 

Deaf-mute natural sign. — Look down at vacancy, with the eyebrows 
knit, and placing the hands on the forehead and then raising the head, 
slightly arch the eyebrows. (Ballard.) 

Do not. See also Hear, <Io not. 

Move the tlat hand (ptickly past the ears means "I have not heard" 
and may mean that he will not understand, or that the request passes 
his ears unheeded. According to circumstances it may mean that it 
passes liis ears because he considers it untrue. Slightlj- modified, it 
will indicate, "You are trying to take me in." (Ojibwa IV.) 

Sign for UnderMfand, i'ollowed by that for ]\o. (Arapaho 1 ;) 
(Cheyenne II.) 

Point to the ear with the right index, slightly curved and i-emaining 
fingers closed; then place the tips of the fingers against the ball of the 
thumb, aiul snap them oft' — as if s[)rinkling water, from the ear outward 
and forward from the ear. (Shonhoniand Banak I.) 

First make the sign for Under!«tand, and then the sign for IVo. 
(Dal-ota I.) "Do not hear yon, understand you." 

The sign for Hear, followed by that for iVo, made to the side of the 
head. (Apache I.) 

Pass one or two fingers from lips to the ear and make the sign for 
TVo. (Apache III.) 

Deaf-mute 7iatural sign. — Look down at vacancy, knit the eyebrows, 
putting the hand on the forehead and shake the head. (Ballard.) 

Unreaily, unprepared, ele. 

The arms are raised and extended parallel before the body. The 



277 

Lands assume position (K 1) inodilied by being liorizontal. Tlit- index- 
lingers are tlien approximated and rubbed together at jialiiiar iioiiits. 
{Oto and lifissouri I.) 

Tent. See t'lolhing'. {Dalotn IV.) 

Tain. 

Cannot be se[)arated from Proud. Pride. (Ihdota 1.) 

Deaf-mute nntural sii/ii. — ;\Iove tlie fingers of both hands up and (b)\VM. 
(Zeigler.) 

Purse-proud. 

ItdVuui ftUjH. — Bdtli hands stuck in the ]ioeket. {Bidlafd.) 

Yci'iitillioii. Sie CoSoi*. 

Village (Indian). (Compare Kellie.) 

Place tlie open thund) and' forefinger of each liand oi)])osite to eacli 
other, as if to make a circle, but leaving between them a small interval ; 
afterward move them from above downward sinudtaneonsly. ( Wied.) 
There is no similarity in execution of the (Oto and Missouri I) sign and 
that of ]yied's, nor in their conception, as the village is not surrounded 
by a stockade. [Boteler.) The villages of the tribes with which the 
author was longest resident, particularly the Mandans and Arikaras, 
-were surrounded by a strong circular stockade, spaces or breaks in the 
circle being left for entrance or exit. 

Repetitions of the sign for I^odsfcor that sign and that for .llany. 
{Arapnlio I.) 

Partly extend the tips of lingers of both iiands. slightly cross the 
hands perjiendicular in front of breast, then describe a circle by a slight 
circular move of the hands and wrists, palms inside, and drop the hands 
a little, and in both descriptions i)oint to the direction of the village, 
and rei)eat several times the form sign within reach of the arms and 
band when a village is described, and but once if only one liouse is to 
be described, saying Wi<j-icam .' ((>jil>ic<( IV.) 

First make the sign for Liod^'e, ti|»i, and then the sign for 
jVlany. {Bahda I, lY.) -ilany tii)is.'' 

The arms are elevated and the hands approximated at the finger ti])s 
before the face; the hands and arms then diverge from points of con- 
tact to form the triangular representation of the wigwam door; the 
sign for wigwam or house being thus {;omi)leted, the right fist, in type- 
position (A), marks the same successively around the subject's jjosition 
on the ground. (Oto and Missouri 1.) "Many houses collected in one 
locality." 



•278 

Raise both bauds to a position in trout, a Httle to rigbt of the face, 
fiugers exteuded, |)oiutiug- nj)ward. ])abns faciui;- eacb other (R 1, right 
aud left). Theu, with zigzag luovenient, uii aud down, pass tlieiu iu frout 
of tace to left, bauds say live iuches apart. (Sahajytin I.) "Village — 
thiugs staiidiug on ground." 

White man's. 



Kepetitiou of sign for Hoii<!ie, also that sign aud the sign for ^^laiiy. 
(Arapaho 1.) 

Move both iiands witli two motions, tirst back of left toward palm 
right, al)0ut twelve iuches apart, tlieu forming a right angle forming a 
square representing the four sides of a house ; theu place the bauds, 
thumbs uuder so as to show a cover, as a roof of a house, aud prououuc- 

iug Wiq-iram. {Ojlbica I.) 

• ' 

The sign for ^Vliite man is prefixed to that for Villajfc {Da- 
kota I.) " Mauy white men's houses." 

Make the sign for Hoiit^e, and then the sign for .llany. (Ihikota 

IV.) 

Make the sign for Village, followeil by tliat for White aiiaii. 

(Sahoptin I.) 

Outline with extended hands (T on edge) the vertical walls and 
peaked roof; also betweeu earth aud roof pass the hand (X rever.sed), 
horizontally, indicating house divided into two stories; dimensions 
large; wave hands about horizoutally, level of chin, palms down (W), 
great extent of town. {Apdclw III.) 

Volley, 

The two hands fis in sign for dischurfie <>/ » dcailly mis.sile, are held iu 
front, a few iuches apart aud directed toward one another, then the fin- 
gers are suddenly straightened as in the same sign : this may be repeated 
to represent the volleys of contending forces, and each hand may make 
its sign simultaneously or alternately witli the other. {Mnndanand Ri- 
(latm I.) 

I-iollhaud over hand, imitating a wheel. (liurton.) 

The right hand, with lingers closed (list B), is rotated at the right 
side of the body. (Dakota I.) " From the motion of the wheels." 

r>otli hands held in front of the body, the fingers extended, the right 
tiugers pointing to the left, the left fingers to the right, the tips of the 
fingers opposite the wrist of the opposite hand, the hands about six 
iuches apart, both palms toward the body. By a movement of the 



279 

elbows, rotate the liaiuLs over eaeli other to the front, like a revolving- 
wl^eel. (Tkihttn III.) 

riaee tiotli hands, i)alnis backward, at the height of the shoulders and 
a little in front of them, or jdaee theni near tlie sides of the body. Ilex 
both toretingers and timinbs until their ends are about an inch apart, 
the other fingers nearly closed, then throw the hands forward several 
times, each time bringing the ends of the thumbs and forefingers togeth- 
er, to imitate the rotation of wheels. [I)ah>ta IV.) 

Both arms are flexed at a right angle before the chest ; the hands 
then assume type-position (L<). uioditied l)y the index-linger l)eing hooked 
anil middle finger partly opened and hooked similarly ; the hands are 
held horizontally and rotated forward side by side to imitate two 
wheels, ]ialms upward. (Ot<i ami MissoKrl I.) "The erect wagon- 
standard and curved rolling wheel." 

Both hands closed in front of the body, about four inches ai)art, with 
forefingers and thuud)s apiiroximating half circles, jialins toward the 
ground, move forward slowly in short circles. (Kdioica I; (Jomnnrhe 
HI; ApncheW ; ^Yichttu II.) '"Wheels and revolving motion forward.'' 

Swing the forefingers of each hand around each other, representing 
the wheel running. (Sxhaptin I.) 

(1) Circle botii thumbs and indices, and hold them jiarallel ; (2) ])lace 
these circles with slight emphasis in two places ; (.'>) seize left circle 
with right thnml) and index and move right hand as if removing it ; 
(•I) dip right index downward ; (.5) sweep it around extended left index ; 
(G) remake left circle. {Apache III.) "(l)Two wheels; (li) capable of 
progression: {'A) took off one wheel ; (4) dipped up grease; (o) greased 
axle; (<>) put on wheel again." This i)robably means more than the 
simple idea of " wagon."' 

Deaf-mute natiirul s'ujn. — An uj) and-dowu motion of the bent arms iu 
imitation of a man riding on horseback, and moving the fingers in cir- 
cles to denote the motion of the wheels. (Ballard.) 

Wait. 

Aiistriilian sijin. — " ^linnie-minuie." (Wait a little) — Hand with lin- 
gers half clinched, between ty[)e-i)ositions (A) and (I>), tlnuub straight, 
shaken downward rapidly two or three times. Done more slowly, to- 
ward the ground, it means Sit <lo«Vll. (Siin/th.) 

W ant, To. 

Cui've the index, and bring it in a curvedownward toward the mouth, 
past it, and forward from the breast a short distance. (Kaioica II ; 
Comanche III ; Apache II ; Wichita II.) 



280 
Wiiv. Sec Battle. 

To declare. 



First make the sirq for Battle, and then the sign for iTIarcliing' 

or Traveling^. Of course Indians do not make any formal declaratiou 
of war, and the above siga would be rendered goi7ig to battle, going to 
fight. {Dakota I.) " From tightiug, battle." 

AVar-path, On the. 

With its index at a right angle with the palm, and pointing toward 
the left, its thumb extended and upright, back of hand forward and 
outward, the other fingers closed, move the right hand rapidly forward 
about a foot from just in frout of the right shoulder. (Dakota IV.) 
" The thumb chasing the index." 

IVariii. (Oonipare Hot.) 

Draw the hand across the forehead as if wiping off the perspiration. 
{Apache II.) 

\lash. 

Kub the hand as with invisible soap in imperceptible water. {Burton.) 

Back of left hand briskly rubbed with palm of right. {Cheyenne I.) 

Precisely the same as though washing the face with both hands with 
water contained in a wasiibasin, about the height of the stomach. 
{Dakota I.) "From the act of washing." 

■Water. (Compare Drinkiii&r.) 

The hand formed into a liowl and brinight up to the mouth, pas.sing a 
little upward without touching the mouth. {Dunbar.) 

The hand is partially clinched, so as to have soniethiug of a cup- 
shai)e, and the opening between the thumb and finger is raised to the 
mouth and continued above it. {Long.) 

Oi)en the right hand and pass it before the mouth from above down- 
ward. ( Wlt'd.) 

Wave the right hand, held oi)eu, palm to the mouth, as if about to 
hold the mouth shut, lick the palm of the baud with the tongue, moving 
the hand from above downward on the tongue. {Burton.) 

Present the hollowed hand, cup shaped, other fingers and thumb 
closed, back of the hand down. {Arapaho I.) 

A hollow hand, witli the motion of drawing water. {Ojibica 1.) 

Right liand Hat aiul sligiitly arched or curved ; pass it downward 
before the face from the forehead to the chin, palm inward. {Absaroka 
I : Sho.thoni and Banak I.) "To wash the face." 



281 

Same as the sign for Driiikin;^ or for Ri»'«'i', wliicli of course 
includes water. {Dakota 1.) 

Place tlie riylit hand uprijilit six oreiiilit iiiclies in front of (lie mouth, 
back outward, index and tliund) crooked, and their ends about an inch 
apart, the other fingers nearly closed ; move it toward the; mouth, and 
then downward nearly to the toj) of the breastbone, at the same time 
turn the iiand o\er toward the mouth until the little hnger is upper- 
most. (Dakota IV.) "Carrying a cu]) to the nu)uth and em])tying it." 

Collect the hng(>rs and thumb ot' the right hand to a i>oint, and biing 
them to the mouth, palm ii\>. { Wi/amlot 1.) 

Place the flat right hand before the face, |)()inting ujiwanl and forward, 
the back forward witli tlie wrist as higli as the nose; then draw it down- 
ward and inward toward the chin. (Kalo/ca I; Comanche 111 ; Apache 
II ; Wichita II.) " From the fornu'r custom of drinking witii the bowl- 
shaped hand." 

Pass the exteudeil tiat right hand downward Ijclbre the face, fingers 
to the left and back forward. (Shoshoiii and Banuk I.) "From the 
manner in which it is used in washing the face." 

J)ea/-miitt' natnral sit/n. — Raise and dejiress the hand in imitation of 
a man handling a pump, and move the hand to the mouth and raise the 
bead in iudtatiou of the act of di'inking. (Ballard.) 

A drink of. 

Make sign for Briiisr; fingers still crooked as in sign for ^I:iiir, 

brought over forward from the mouth witli sudden downward curve. 

(Chrljcnnv 1.) 



Si (ring of. 

(1) Hold the hands down, thumbs and indices widely sei)arated, as if 
inclosing a round object twenty inches across ; (2) trace a serpentine line 
from it with finger tip. (Apache III.) "(1) A spring; (2) a rivulet." 

AVateriiieloiis, !i>qiin!!ihe!!i, and iVliiKkiiieloiis. 

Pantomimically expressed by illustrating their form on the ground, 
and according to size for specitic designation. ( Ute I.) 

Weak, AVeakiiew^i. 

Left hand is Iield in front of the body about a foot, hand horizontal, 
fingers extended and pointing toward the right, back of hand outward 
(S I), and the right hand (S 1) is passed from the right breast forward 
by the left, with the fingers pointing straight outward, back of hand 
toward the right, and then the right hand carried dire(^tly out toward 
the right side of the body. (Dakota 1.) "Xo; no go ; cannot go ; am 
weak, sickly." 
3G 



282 

l^Vell, Good Health. 

Have a siniliujjf couiiti'iuuice, raise both liands quickly to lower pai-t 
of face and mouth as if iu the act of eating, shake and gently touch the 
breast aud body, as hands descend iu front, separate over the abdomen 
with quivering motion, then move both hands outward, raise hands 
quickly, back of hands above, stand erect and throw chest forward. 
(Ojibum IV.) 

Palms of both hands, fingers extended, touch the body over the 
breast, stomach, abdomen, &c., and then make the sign for Good. 
(Dakota 1.) " Body is all good ; I am well." 

The arms are passed tremblingly up the sides of the body, then the 
extended indices are made to press tlie temjjles, the countenance as- 
suming all the while a visage of distress ; the sign for Sick being 
thus completed the hand is thrown open negatively from the body to 
indicate emi)hatically — no sickness. {Oto and Miasoiiri I.) "Not sick 
or in distress." 

Weep, To; To t'i->. 

Tlie furelinger of each hand extended, carried to its respective eye, back 
of hand outward, all fingers but the index closed, carry the fingers down 
the face as thougii following the course of the tear-drops. (Dalota I.) 
" From the droi)i)ing of the tears." 

Make the sign for Rain, but in so doing hold the backs of the pend- 
ent fingers toward the face, and drop the hand repeatedly from the eyes 
downward. {Uti! I.) "Literally, 'eye-rain;' drops of water from the 
eyes." 

Sign for Water made from eyes. {Cheyenne I.) 

Deaf-mute natnral niijn. — Kub the eye with the back of the hand as 
children do when crying. (Ballard.) 

W hat I Whnt do yon way I See Question. 

\l^heat. (Compare Grass.) 

Same sign as for Grass, begun near the ground, and gradiuilly and 
interruptedly elevated to the height of about three feet. ( Ute I.) 

Wlien I See Question. 

Whence come von i 

First the sign for l^oii, then the hand extended open and drawn to 
the breast, and lastly the sign for Bring'ing'. (Dnnhar.) 

Where I 

With its back upward and index pointing forward, carry the right 



283 

hand from left to rislit about cif^lit iiiclics, raisiiiff luid lowciinj;' it 
several tiiiie.s while so doing, as if (juickly pointiiig at dilffiviit olijeets. 
{Dnkofu IV.) 

liVliiskey. 

Make the sij;ii for Bail and Drink, for "had water." {Burton.) 

Sign for IValer and Fire. (Cliei/cnuc 1.) 

Another: Sign for Briii;;', an<l riglit-liand iingers outspread, tips 
pointing U[)war(l, shalicn liffurc forehead witli wave of head to indieate 
unsteadiness. (Vhcj/ciiiic I.) 

First make the sign lor Drinking', aud then tlie sign for l''04>i. 
{Dakota 1.) "Very expressive." 

Tin:" rigid arm is tlexed an<l ele\ated. the riglit liand approaciu's the 
chest in type jtosition (ii 1 ), nioditied by IxMUg lield edge up. TIh' hand 
thus .seemingly grasping a bottle is |)assed s(Mnieireularly upward to- 
ward, then to the moutli and tr<im it, the liead receding. The hand 
then falls to the side, and tlie head inclining to either side is swayed to 
and fro, indicative of lost e(iuilibrium. {Oto and Mistioiiri i.) "Some- 
thing drunk that stupefies the .senses." 

Deaf-mntc naii(i-al sli/n.—liiiise tlie liand, lingers jilaced together, to- 
ward the moutii, aud sliake the boily to ar.d fro sidewise. {fjarson.) 

While. See Color. 

White illaii; /liiierieaii. 

Place the open indexhnger ami thumb of the right hand toward the 
face, then jiass it to the right in front of the forehead to indicate the 
hat. {Wicd.) Still used to some extent, {.^rattlicws.) Tliere is a plain 
aud evident sinularity in both execution and conception in the (Otn I) 
sign ami WiciV.s. {Botclcr.) 

The sign for Trade also denotes the Americans, and, indeed, any 
white men, who are generally called by the Indians west of the Eocky 
Mountains " Shwop," from our "swap" or "swop." {Burton.) This is 
a legacy from the traders who were the first representatives of what 
used to be called the Caucasian race, met by the Indians. 

A linger passed across the forehead. {Manjoirctu.) 

Indicate nj)on the forehead with the hand the supposed line of contact 
of a hat. {Arapaho I.) "Literally, 'the hat- wearers.' " 

Hold one hand horizontally over the forehead. {Sac, Fox and Kicka- 
poo I.) 



284 

The extended foretiiifter of the right hand (in, tnrned inward) is 
drawn from the left side of the head aronnd in front to the rijjht side, 
about on a line witii llie brim of flu' hat, with back of hand outward. 
[Dakota 1.) ''From the wearin;;- of a hat." 

Draw the oi)ened rijjht hand horizontally from left to rig:ht across the 
forehead a little above the eyebrows, the back of the hand to be njjward 
and the linjiers ijoiutiufi' toward the left. Or, close all the tiiitjers except 
the index, and draw it across the forehead in the same manner. {Da- 
kota IV.) " I''rom the hats woiii by the whites." 

Close the rijiiit hand, and draw the back of the thumb horizontally 
across the forehead from left to rij;'ht. {Hidat.sa 1 ; Arikara I.) 

The rifiht arm is raised and the hand assuinins' position (I 1), index 
not entirely closed but loosely hooked, is then drawn across the fore- 
head in a lino corresponding to the hat mark. The Indians weariufi 
generally a rudely constructed turban would most likely select the sign 
for hat to distinguish the white man, from its being his universal head- 
dress. {Oto and Misdoiiii I.) "The man that wears the hat." 

Point to the eye with the index, then place the half-closed hands, 
palms toward the forehead, over the eyes and pass them downward over 
the cheeks and forward toward the chin. ( Wj/andot 1.) "Stated to bo 
based ujton the fact of the generally gray or light eyes of Americans tirst 
seen, followed by the sign lor Peri^Oll." 

Pass the palmar surface of the fully extended and se])arated thumb 
and indt'x of the right hand across the forehead from left to right. 
Although this is the essence of the gesture, numerous sliglit varia- 
tions or abbreviations occur. Frecpiently the exten<led index only is 
drawn across the forehead ; sometimes the thumb is placed against 
the right temple as a support for the hand, as the index is drawn 
across to it. The hand and arm may be jilaced in almost any jiosition, 
as it does not form an essential feature in expressing the idea. The left 
hand has also been nsed in instances when the right was engaged, as 
in holding a pipe while smoking, or trom other causes. {Kaioica I ; 
Comanche III; Apache II; Wichita II.) "The line at which the hat 
rests against the forehead." 

Raise right hand to side of head, arched, thumb and fingers horizon- 
tal, pointing to temple (H 1) then pass hand in that position over the 
forehead, at same time turning head to right. (Sahuptin I.) " Man 
with hat." 



Place the extended and separated index and thumb of the right hand, 
l>alm downward, across the right side of the forehead. {Pai-Vte I.) 



285 

Iniitiite the stroking of cliiii wliiskers, then phuie the back of tlie wrist 
against the chin, aUowing the spread lingers and thumb t(j i)()int forward 
and downward. ( Ute I.) 

Another: Draw the radial side of the extended index across the fore- 
head from left to right. ( Vtc I.) 

Make the sign for iWaii; place the hands on face; touch tentclotli 
or some other white object, point to the liands. {A]i<ichc III.) "Man 
with white face or hands." 

Another: Hand turned, tii)s d.iwii under chin (<{). {AimcIu' III.) 
' Beard ; the Mescaleros being beardless." 

Deaf-mutes generally, in especial the French, make the "liat" sign 
for mun as distinguished from icomnn. 

IrVicketl. See Bad heart. 
Il^ide. See Bijf in the sense of wide. 

liVife. See Hii<>>baiid, Kclaf ioiiwliip, and Coiii|>ari<>oii. 
W is^naiii. See I.,odg^e. 

^Vild. 

The hands in front of their respected breasts, with fingers and thund)s 
exteiuled, separated and iiomting downward, backs of hands outward, 
are quickly carried outward with a trenuilous motion of all the fingers, 
and as the hands are carried outward increase the distance between 
them, i. e., carry the hands out obli(iuely. {Ihilota I.) " I'robably from 
the movements of .some kinds of game on being surprised." 

Wind (air in motion). Air. 

Right hand held perpendicularly upward and brought forward with a 
tremulous or vibratory motion until it ])asses beyond the face. [Dunbar.) 

Stretch the fingers of both hands outward, puffing violently the while. 

(Burton.) 

Indicate with the extended hand its direction and force, and emit a 
whistling sound. {Arapuho I.) 

Both hands held up carelessly before the body, fingers naturally 
extended, swept suddenly with downward and upwai'd curve to the 
left. [Cheyenne 1.) 

Right hand with the fingers slightly separated, upright palm forward 
or outward (R), is carried, held in this position, from behind the body, 
by the right side of the head, to the front of the body, on the same level 



286 

as far as the arm can be extended, and at the same make with the 
mouth a sound in ieseiul>hince, to the whistling of the wind. (Dakota I.) 
'• From tlie whistling of air in motion swiftly by a person." 

Make short, rapid, verti(!al vibrations of tlie hand, spread and palm 
down ( W), sweeping it from beiiind forward, about height of waist ; 
a(^companied by a whizzing sound from the mouth. {Apache III.) 

Deaf mute ti<(tiiral sif/iis. — Blow through tlic lips and move the uplifted 
hand lujrizontully. (BallarfJ.) 

Blow the air from the moutli, and then move the stretched hand in 
a line before tlie Ijrcint. (Lnrsoii.) 

.Winter. (Comi)are VoUl.) 

A shrinking, shivering condition; move as if drawing a blanket around 
the head and shoulders, then move both hands above the head, shaking 
the hand as in the case of Falling leaves ; bring the hands (fingers 
down) toward the ground and undulate them near the ground; then 
with the right hand indicate the depth and level of the snow ; pro- 
nounce the name of snow, Occo«e. {OjibicalV.) 

Make the sign for Cold, and then for SllOW. (Dakota I.) "Cold 
weather — the season of snow." 

Shake the upright nearly closed hands back and forth several times 
in front of the shoulders as if shivering, palms inward; then suspend 
the hands about a foot in front of the shoulders, backs forward, Angers 
separated and bent a little, and pointing" downward, and move all the 
lingers as if shaking sometliing from them, or approximate an<l separate 
the ends once or several times, and while doing so, each time throw the 
haiul.s downward about eight inches. (Dakota IV.) "Cold and snow." 

Make the signs for Rain, Deep, and Cold. (DakotaYi.) 

Make the sign for Rain with both hands, then pass the hands with 
palms down horizontally to the right and left before the lower part of the 
body. ( Dakota VI ; Hitlatsa I ; Arikara I.) " Precipitation and depth." 

Both hands in ]iosition (A) tremble before the breast. This being 
enacted, the hands of the subject are extended, the arms likewise on a 
level with shoulders pointing to the horizon, both hands now describe 
the arc subtending the quadrant of the horizon until th(>,y meet over the 
head. (Ofo and Missouri I.) " When cold days spread over us." 

Same sign as for Cold. {Kaioica I; Comanche III; Apache II; 
Wichita II.) 

Bring both lists together in front of the breast as if drawing together 
the edges of a blanket. (A2>ache I.) 



287 

Wise. 

Raise the right hand and fingers, gently tap tlie foreliead over the 
riglit eye, and pass bnckward alongside of liead with thre(> or four tai)S 
of fingers on head. {Ojihica IV.) '' I'rolialily intimating a level heitd.'' 

Touoli the foreliead with the right index and then make the sign for 
Big' directly in front of it. (Dakota I.) " i>ig brain.'' 

Touch the side of the head with the Hat right hand, then elevate the 
hand toward the sky. {Wi/aiiitof I.) " Superior in intelligence." 

Tap the forehead with the index, and make the sign for .^ipcak. 
[Apache I.) 

IVIwIi: desire o('|)o<>«>t'wMioii. 

Hook the forefinger over the nose. [Arapaho I.) 

Right hand, with thiimt> and foretinger extended, is liroughf upward 
in front ot the hody, witli the back of the hand outward, thund) and 
foicfinger ])oinling toward the left, to the level of the breast, when the 
hand is (piickly thrown np\\ai(l, outward, and then slightly downward, 
L e., on a curve, so that the hand is liorizontal with the palm u])war(l. 
[Dal-oUt I.) " 1 like it, wish it." 

AVoir. (<-'ompare Dog'.) 

Same sign as for Dog'. [Oto 1.) 

Place the right hand, lingers Joined and extended, above the mouth, 
pointing downward and forward. [Utc I.) '' Long nose." 

AVoiiiaii. (Compare Female.) 

The finger and thumb of the right hand, partly opeu, and ])laced as if 
laying hold of the breast. (Dunbar.) 

The hands are passed from the top down each side of the head, indi- 
cating the parting of the hair on the toii, and its flowing down each side. 
{Long.) 

Pass the palm of the extended haiul downward over the hair on the 
side of the head, or downward over the cheeks. ( Wied.) Same as my 
description, but less precise. (Matihewn.) The arms were flexed and 
the hands, fist-like, held at either side in the position of the female 
mammary glands, then sweeps semicircularly downward. There is no 
appreciable sinularity in this sign and WiexVs, the conception and execu- 
tion of which are wholly different. (Bnteler.) " One with prominent 
mammw, who can bring forth young." 

Pass the hand down both sides of the head, as if smootlLJng or strok- 
ing the long hair. (Burton.) 



288 

A finger directed toward the breast. {Macgowan.) 

Turn the right hand about the right eai-, as if putting the hair behind 
it. (Ihdfie.) 

Draw the hand, the fingers separate and partially closed, palm toward 
the cheek, downward, as of combing the hair. {Arapnho I.) 

Right-hand fingers close together, thumb lying along basal joint of 
forefinger, placed above tlie top and side of the head, bent and sud- 
denly brought down and outward to the level and right of shoulder, 
finger ends still bent in toward the latter. [Cheijenne \.) "To express 
shortness as compared with man." 

Pass the palm once down the face and the whole body. (Ojihwa I.) 
"The long, waving dresses [xic] or the graceful contour of the female 
body." 

Hold the haiuls cu() sbajjcd over each breast, (i^ac, Fox, and Kicka- 
poo 1.) 

Pass the extended and flat right hand, back forward and outward, 
from the side of tlit; crown downward toward the shoulder and forward. 
(Ahmrolia I; Slioshonl and Banal; I.) " Represents the long hair." 

The right hand brought to the top of the head and then carried out 
sidewise toward the right and downward as though drawing a comb 
through the long hair of a woman's head. {Dakota I.) " Long hair." 

Right-luuKl fingers extended and joined (as in T), horizontal, held on 
the left side of .the face, the fingers ])ointing to the rear, the thumb 
grasping and sliding downward to represent stroking the long braided 
hair of a squaw. {Dakota III.) 

With the right hand, back forward, fingers slightly flexed and joined, 
thumb close to index, the little finger near the head, make a motion as 
if brushing the hair behind the ear by moving the hand backward and 
downward through an arc of about six inches. {Dakota IV.) "The 
women wear the hair behind tlie ears and plaited." 

Pass the flat right hand, palm of extended fingers resting near the 
right side of the crown, and downward and to the front of the collar- 
bone. (Dakota VI.) " Repi'esents long hair." 

The extended hands, palms backward, and pointing upward and in- 
ward, are held each near the temple of the same side. They are then 
swei)t simultaneously downward a foot or two. {Mandan and Hidatsa 
I.) "This is to indicate the mode of dressing the hair most common 
with women — a braid on each side." 



2S9 

BdMi hands are bronslit to a position corresponding witii female 
inainuKP. The hands are loosely elinciied as in tyi)e (F) and laid 
loosely against chest on side eorresi)ondin.u- with hand, althoIl^h some- 
times the arms are crossed and hands held in nbove positions on oppo- 
site sides. ^ly tVOIIinil is e.\|)ressed hy tapjiin^' the left hreast by 
point of right iudex-tinger in addition to abo\c. {Oto I.) "A jxisition 
indicative of female mamnia^ and coiiiuiliia] rniluace." 

Pass the extended and Hat rigid hand, lingers joined, from the side 
of the crown downward and forward along the cheek to tiie front of the 
right side of the neck, the liiigcrs pointing downward at terinlnat it)n of 
motion. Both luiiids are sometinics nscd. {Idtidira I; ('{iiiKdickc ll\ ; 
AimcheU; Wichita II.) 

^Yith the tingers and tiiiiinb of the ri^lit hand separated and jiarlly 
bent or hooked, i)ass from tlic side of the head toward the front of the 
shonlder, gradually closing the hand in imitation, of gatlierinj;- and 
smoothing the lock of hair on that side. {I'di-l'te f.) 

Touch the hair on tlie side of the hi'ad with tlic tiiigrrs of tiie right 
hand, then place the closed hand liefoi-e the ])ubis, with the back for- 
ward, index and second tingers extended and separated, pointing down- 
ward ; jdace the thumb against the palm so that the tip i)rotrudes a little 
from the crotch thus formed b\- the tin,i;ers. {Ute I.) " Fonrchette, 
glaiis clitoridis, and location of." 

The left fore and second tingers are extended and separated, the re- 
maining tingers closed; the thumb is then placed against the ]>alm in 
snch a manner that the tip is visible in the crotch formed by the ex- 
tendecl tingers; the hand is then placed back forward in this position at 
the crotch. (Apache I.) "Resemblance to t\\>^ pudendum mxliclirt .''^ 

(1) Two tingers held downward (.\ rever.sed) ; (2) sweep hands up 
near legs and clasp them about the waist ; (3) sweep hands from shcudder 
to waist loosely. {Apache III.) (1) " Human being (-) wearing shirts 
and (3) loose jackets." 

Deaf-mute natural signs. — Take hold of the garment at the side l)elow 
the hip and shake it to denote the skirt of a woman's dress. {Ballard.) 

Poiid the hand to the rear side of the head, because of the combs the 
women wear as ornaments. {Larson.) 

Instructed deaf-mutes generally mark the line of the bonnet-string 
down the check. 

Italian sign. — Draw the hand down the cheek uiuler the chin. (But- 
ler.) 

37 



290 

Old. 

Make the sij,ni for ^^oiiiaii, and then make the sign for Progres- 
!«ion with a !«taff^ {Dakota IV.) " Progression of a woman with a 
staff." 

Young, girl. 



Make the sign for woman, hands held in the same position, and 
brought from shoulder downward and outward in proportion to the 
height of the girl. {Cheyenne I.) 

Deaf-mute natural sign. — Take hold of an imaginary garment below the 
thigh and shake it, and place the hand to the height of a girl. {Ballard.) 

Touch the right ear with the finger, because of the ear-rings girls 
wear. (Larson.) 

Wonder. (Compare Adiiiiratioii and KiirprJKe.) 

Same as the sign for ^iii'pri!!>e. Surjirise and wonder seem to go 
hand in hand, but admiration and wonder do not seem to be necessarily 
connected. {Bahila I.) 

Place right hand over mouth, the thumb lieing on the right and the 
lingers on tlie left of the nose; then shrink back. {Omaha I.) The 
gesture ot placing the right hand before the mouth is seemingly invol- 
untary with us, and appears also in the Egyptian hieroglyphs. 

J)e(t/-»iute natural sii/n. — Part the lijjs, raise the hand, and arch tlie 
eyebrows, each action in a slow manner. {lialiard.) 

Raise apart the arms, with the hands open. {Larson.) 

W^ood. 

Point to a i)iece of wood with right index extended. {Dakota I.) 

H^ork, labor, etc. 

The. right hand, with fingers extended and joined, back of the hand 
outward, edge of fingers downward, is thrown from the level of the 
breast, forward, upward, and then downward, on a curve, so that the 
palm is lirought upward, and then carried to the right side of the body, 
level of the face, where the extended fingers point upright, palm out- 
ward. (Dakota I.) 

As work is a general term for manual exertion, the indefiniteness of 
this sign can be well understood. The arms and hands are extended 
before the body, the hands in type-position (A) ; the hands are then 
grasi)iugly oi)ened and shut as in seizing the plow-handles; the closed 
hands then approximate and forcibly strike as in working at mechan- 
ical i)ursnits. (Oto and Missouri 1.) '' The exertion required in differ- 
ent kinds of labor.'' 



291 

Hold both fliit hands edj^cwise in front of the body, thumbs nj), ])nsh 
forward with sudden interruptions, at each movement drawing back the 
fingers and throwing them forward at every rest. {Kaiotcal; Coman- 
chellU Apadirllx Wichita II.) 

Make a sort of mihl grasiiing motion witli both hands in several di- 
rections downward. [Apache III.) "Suggestive of industrial activity, 
and supplemented by pantomime of sewing or cliopjiing, if not promptly 
understood." 

AVrap, To. 

The left hand is held in front of the body, hand closed, horizontal, 
back upward, and the right hand, with lingers in position as though 
grasping something, is rotated around the stationary left. {Dakota I.) 
"From the act of wrapping." 

H^ritiiig'. 

The act of writing is imitated by the linger in th(^ palm of the opi)Osite 
hand. [Tahui.) 

(1) Left hand held up as if a i)iece (if |)apcr; (H) mot ion made with 
right hand as though writing. (Vhci/cnnc 1.) 

The first part of the sign for Book. ( Pal.afa I.) 

Year. 

Give the sign of Rniil or Miiotv. {Biirti)n.) 

Sign for Cold, and then sign Ibr Coillltill^' — one {Dakota I.) 
"One winter." 

Deaf-mute natural siiin. — I'oint to shirt Ixisom and lower the exuMuIed 
fingers to signifj- sho^c, then raise the hand to denote the height or deptli 
of the snow, and then depress the hands to signify (jone. {Ballard.) 

Yes. Affirmation. II i<< 1*0. (Compare <iJood and Trutli.) 

The motion is somewhat like Trii til, but the linger is held rather more 
upright, and is pas.sed nearly straight forward from opposite the breast, ' 
and when at the end of its course it seems gently to strike something, 
though with a rather slow and not suddenly accelerated motion. {Imiuj.) 

Wave the hands straight forward from the face. {Burton.) This" 
may be compared with the forward nod common over most of the world 
for assent, but that gesture is not universal, as the New Zealanders 
elevate the head and chin, and the Turks shake the head somewhat like 
our negative. Bev. H. B. B. Barmtm, Harpoot, Turkey, in a contribu- 
tion of signs received after the foregoing had l»een printed, denies the 
latter statement, but gives Truth as " gently bowing, with head in- 
clined to the right." 



292 

Another: Wave the hand from the mouth, extending the thumb from 
the index and closing the other three lingers. {Burton.) 

Gesticulate vertically downward and in front of the liody with the ex- 
tended forefinger (right hand usually), the remaining fingers and thumb 
closed, their nails down. {Arapaho I.) 

Eight hand elevated to the level and in front of the shoulder, two first 
fingers somewhat extended, thuml) resting against the middle finger; 
sudden motion in a curve forward and downward. (Chejienm- I.) "The 
correspondence between this gesture and the one for Sittiiia;', seeming- 
ly indicates that the origin of the motion for Affirilialioil is in imita- 
tion of resting, or settling a question." 

Same as the sign for Truth. {Ihd'ota I.) " Jjut one tongue." 

Extend the right index, the thumb against it, nearly close the other 
fingers, and from a position al)out a foot in front of the right breast, 
bend the hand from the wrist downward until the end of the index has 
passed about six inches through an arc. Some at the same time move 
the hand forward a little. {Dakota IV.) "A nod; the hand representing 
the head and the index the nose." 

The right band, with the f(n'e{inger (only) extended and pointing for- 
ward, is held before and near the cliest. It is then moved forward one 
or two feet, usually with a slight curve downward. {Mandan and Hi- 
datna I.) 

Bend the right arm, jjointing toward the chest with the index-finger. 
Unbend, throwing the hand up and forward. {Omaha 1.) 

Another : Close the three fingers, close the thumb over them, extend 
forefinger, and then shake forward and down. This is more emi)hatic 
than the preceding, and signifies, Yes, I knnic. {Omaha I.) 

The right arm is raised to head with the index-finger in type-position 
(1 1), modified by being more opened. From aside the head the hands 
sweep in a curve to the right ear as of something entering or hearing 
something ; the fiuger is then moi'e opened and is carried direct to the 
ground as something emphatic or direct. {Oto and Missoiiri I.) '"1 
hear,' emphatically symbolized." 

The hand open, palm downward, at the level of the breast, is moved 
forward with a quick downward motion from the wrist, imitating a bow 
of the head. {Iroquois I.) 

Throw the closed right hand, with the index extended and bent, as 
high as the face, and let it drop again naturally; but as the hand reaches 
its greatest elevation the index is fully extended and suddenly dra^vn 
in to the palm, the gesture resembling a beckoning from above toward 
the ground. {Kaioica I ; Comanche III ; Apache II ; Wichita II.) 



293 

Quick motion of the right liand forward from the mouth ; first position 
about six inches from the mouth and final as far again away. In first 
position the index-finger is exten(k',d, the others closed; in final, the 
index loosely closed, thrown in that position as the- hand is moved for- 
ward, as though hooking something with it; palm of hand out. [ISultap- 
tin I.) 

Another: Move riglit hand to a position in front of the liody, letting 
arm hang loosely at the side, the tliumb standing alone, all lingers 
hooked except forefinger, which is partially extended (E 1, with lore- 
linger partially extended, palm upward). The sign consists in ihon ing 
the forefinger from its ]iartially extended i)()sition to one similar to 
the others, as though making a sly motion for some one to come to you. 
This is done once eacli time the assent is made. More emphatic than 
the preceding. {iSahaplln I.) "We are together, think alike." 

Dc(t/-mute nuturid s'kiii. — Indicate liy nodding the iiead. {HaUard.) 

Yesterday. See Day. 

Yon. 

The hand o])en, lield uiiward olili(inely, and i)ointing forward. {Ihin- 
bar.) 

Is expressed by sim[)ly pointing at the persons. (Lon<j.) 

Point to or otherwise" indicate the person designated. {Arapaho I.) 

Point toward the ])erson witli the extended forefinger of the right 
hand, back ui)ward, horizontal. [Dakota I.) '' Designating the person." 

To. 

With the fingers and thumb extended, lying closely side by side, and 
pointing upward, palm toward individual addressed, slowly move the 
hand toward the hearer, the finger-tii)s sliglitly in advance of the wrist, 
as if laying something against the i>crson. (Kaioica 1; Comanche HI; 
^^rto/)e'lI; Wichita II.) 

• 

Yours. 



The arm and hands are folded on the chest as in the sign for Mine; 
they are then thrown open from the breast toward another, palms out- 
ward. (Otoand Missouri I.) "Xot mine, your's." 



TRIBAL SIGNS. 



Aliwai'oka, Crow. 

The baiuls held out each side, and strikinj^ the air in the manner of 
tiyiiij;-. {Loni/.) 

Imitate the tlappiug of the bird's wings with the two hands, palms 
downward, brought close to the shoulder. {Burton.) 

The sign for these Indians is the same as that for Fly, to. {Dakota 1.) 
" Flight of the crow." 

Another: The Crow Indians simply place the index upon the ridge 
of the nose, but this sign would be understood by the Sioux as meaning 
Nose. {Dakota I.) "From the Sioux idea that the heart is the seat of 
life; consequently iny heart is I, is myself." {Sic.) The placing of the 
index ujion the ridge of the nose is understood to signify personality 
"I, myself," and not to be a tribal sign. 

Both hands extended, with lingers joined (^V), held near the shoulders, 
and flapped to rei)reseut the wings of a crow. [Dakota. III.) 

At the height of the shoulders and a foot outward from them, move 
tLe opened hands forward and backward twice or three times from the 
wrist, palms forward, fingers and thumbs extended and separated a lit- 
tle; then place the back or the ])alm of the ui)right opened right hand 
against the ujtper i)art of the forehead; or half close the tingers, 
])lacing the end of the thumb against the ends of the fore and middle 
fingers, and then place the back of the hand against the forehead. 
{Dakota IV.) "To imitate the flying of a biixl, and also indicate the 
manner in which the Absaroka wear their hair." 

Place the flat hand as high as and in front or to the side of the right 
shoulder, move it up and down, the motion occurring at the wrist. For 
more thorough representation, both hands are sometimes employed. 
{Dakota V, VI, VII ; Eaiowa I ; Comanche III ; Apache II ; Wichita II.) • 
" Bird's wing." 

Make with the arms the motion of flapping wings. {Kutine I.) 

294 



295 

The rif^lit hand, tiattened, is held over and in front of tlie right 
shoulder, and quickly waved back and forth a few times as if fanning' the 
side of the face. When made for the information of one ignorant of the 
common sign, both hands are used, and the hands are moved outward 
from the body, though still near the shoulder. {Sho.shoiii and Banal: I.) 
" Wings, (. €., of a crow." 

Ai'ikara. (Corruptly abbreviated Ree.) 

With the right hand closed, curve the thumb and iudex, join their 
tills so as to form a circle, and place to the lobe of the ear. {Absaroka 
I; Hiilatsa I.) "Big ear-rings." 

Collect the fingers and thumb of the right hand nearly to a i)oint, and 
make a tattooing or dotting motion toward the ui)per jiortion of the 
cheek. This is the old sign and was used by them previous to the adop- 
tion of the more modern one representing "(!orn-eaters. {Arikara I.) 

Place the back of the closed right hand transversely before the mouth, 
and rotate it forward and backward several times. This gesture may 
be aecomi>anied,as it sometimes is, by a motion of the Jawsas if eating, to 
illustrate more fully the meaning of the rotation of the tist. (Kaiairii I ; 
C'omrt»(7((' III ; ir/t7(/7(( II ; Aparlicll.) " Corn-eater ; eating corn from 
the cob." 

Signified by the same motions with the thumbs and forefingers that 
are used in shelling corn. The dwarf Kee (Arikara) corn is tlieir pecul- 
iar possession, which their tradition says was given to them by Cod, 
who led them to the Missouri River and instructed them how to plant 
it. (Rev. C. L. Hall, in The Mixsionary Herald, April, 1680.) "They 
are the cornshellers." 

Aparlie. See also Warm Kpriiis;'. 

Make either of the signs for Poor, ill propt'i'ty. {Kaioira I; 
(Jomanche III ; Apache II; Wichita 11.) " It is said fiiat when the first 
Apache came to the region they now occupy he was asked who or what 
he was, and not understanding the language he merely made the sign 
for Poor, which expressed his condition." 

Rub the back of the extended forefinger from end to end with the ex- 
tended index. (Comanche II; Ute I.) " Poor, poverty-stricken." 

Mescalero. 

Same .sign as for Lipaii. [Kaintca I ; Coinanchc III ; Apache II ; 
Wichila II.) 

Arapalio. 

The fingers of one hand touch the breast in different parts, to indicate 
the tattooing of that part in points. {Ldu;/.) 



296 

Seize the Dosewitli the thumb and forefinger. {The Prairie Traveler. 
By l{:ui(l()]i)h r>. Marcy, captaMi United States Army, p. 215. New 
York, l.s,-.!l.) 

Ituh the rij^ht side of the nose with the forefinger: some call this tribe 
the " Smellers," and make their sign consist of seizing the nose with 
the thumb and forefinger. (Burton.) 

Finger to side of nose. {Macf/oirdii.) 

Touch the left breast, thus im|)lying what they call themselves, viz: 
the " Good Hearts." {Ant polio I.) 

Hold tlu^ left hand, palm down, aiul fingers extended ; then with the 
right hand, fingers extended, jialm inward and thumb up, make a sud- 
den stroke from left to right across the back of the fingers of the left 
liand, as if cutting rlicm off. {Sac, Fo.t; and KiclcajKto.) 

.loin the ends of the fingers (the thumb included) of the right hand, 
and, pointing toward the heart near the chest, throw the hand forward 
and to the right once, twice, or many times, through an arc of about six 
inches. {Unkola IV.) "Some say they use this sign because these In- 
dians tattoo their breasts." 

Rub the side of the extended index against the right side of the nose. 
{Kaiowa I; Comanche \l\; ApacheW; Wichita W.) 

Collect the fingers and thumb of the right hand to a point, ami tap 
the tii)s upon the left breast briskly. {Comanche II; Ute \.) " (iood- 
hearted." It was stated by inend)ers of the various tribes at Washington, 
in ISSO, that this sign is use<l to designate the Northern Arai)ahos, while 
that in wiiich tlie index rubs against, or i)asses upward alongside of 
the nose, refers to the Southern Arapahos, the reasons given for which 
will be refeired to in a future |>aper. 

Another: tHose the right hand, leaving the index only extended ; then 
rub it up and down, held vertically, against the side of the nose where 
it joins the cheek. {Comanche W; Ute I.) 

The fingers and thumb of the right hand are brought to a i)oint, and 
ta])i)ed \\\nn\ the right side of the breast. {IShoshoni and Banak 1.) 

Make the sign of Cutting' llie tlironf. {Kutincl.) 

Wit h the riglit hand flattened, form a curve by passing it from the top 
of the chest to the i)ubis, the fingers pointing to the left, and the back for- 
ward. {Shoshoni and lianak 1.) " Big bellies." 



297 

AtNJiin, liower <pJrof«i Voiilre. 

l?otli luiiids cltxseil, tlu! tips of the liiis'ers pointiiiji' toward tlic wrist 
aud rcstiii.n' ni)oii tlu; base of the Joint, tlio thmiibs Iviiiy upon and 
extendiiiji' over the middle joint of the forelinj;ers ; lioid the left before 
the eliest, pointin^j I'orwaid, |)abn u|), plaeinj;' tlie li.u'ht, with palm down, 
just back of the lett, and move as if picikinj; small ol)jeets from the 
left with tile tip of the i-i.i;ht thumb. (.[hn((riil:<( 1 ; Sliiix/ioni iiikI Uiiii^iIc 
I.) '• Oorn-sheliers." 

Brinn' tiie extended and separated rinj;ers and tliumb hiosely toa jioiiit, " 
flexed at the metacarpal joints; ])i)iut them toward the left clavicle, and 
imitate a dotting' motion as if tattooini;' the skin, (haloira I ; CoiiKinrhc 
III; Aimclit' \i: Wiehita 11.) '• They used to tattoo rlieinsel\ cs, and 
live in the country south of the Dakotas.'' 

ISaiiak. 

Make a uhistlini;' sound '•[)liew"' (beL;'inniM,ii at ahi.uli note and endinj,^ 
al)out an octave lower) ; then draw the extended iud(\x aia-oss tiie throat 
from the left to the rij;iit and out to uearly at arm's len,i;tli. They used 
to cut the throats of their prisoners. (I'di-Ttr 1.) 

Major Ilaworth slates that the Hamiku malce the followiiii;- sij;n for 
themselves: Brush the flat ri.s;ht hand backward over the forehead as 
if forcini;' bac-k the hair. This represents the manner of wearing the 
tuft of hair backward from the forehead. Ae<-ordin,t;- to this informant, 
the Shoshoni use the same sii;n for ICaiiak as for themselves — Siiiake. 

ICIackfVct. (This title is understood to refer to the Ali;'oiddn lUack- 
feet, properly called ^ialwika.) 
The tinker and thumb encircle the ankle. (Lonfi.) 

Pass the rinht hand, bent spoon-fashion, from the heel to the little toe 
of the right foot. [Bnrion.) 

The palmar surfaces of the extended fore and second lingers of the 
right hand ^others closed) are rubbed along the leg just above the ankle. 
This would not seem to be clear, but these Indians do not make any 
sign indicating bhivk in connection with the above. The sign does not, 
however, interfere witii any other sign as made by the Sioux. {Dakota 
I.) " Blackfeet." 

Touch the right foot with tlie right hand, (h'litiiir I.) 

Close the right hand, thumb resting over the second Joint of the fore- 
linger, i>alm toward the face, and rotate over the cheek, though an inch 
or two from it. (iSltn.shoni find Bniiiik I.) " From manner of |painting 
tiie cheeks." 
38 



298 

Caddo. (Compare I¥eaE Percys.) 

rass the borizontally exteTided iudex from right to left under the nose. 
[Kaioica I; Comanche III-. AjHwhell; Wichita II.) '" Pierced noses,' 
from former custom of wearing rings iu the septum." 

€ali!>>|U'l. See Fend d'Oreille. 

Clieyeiiiie. 

Draw the hand across the arm, to imitate cutting it with a knife. 
(Marcy, Prairie Traveller, loc. cif., p. 215.) 

Draw the lower edge of the right hand across the left arm as if 
gashing it with a knife. (Burton.) 

With tlie index-flnger of the right hand proceed as if cutting the left 
arm in different places with a sawing motion from the wrist upward, to 
represent the cuts or hums on the arms of that nation. (Long.) 

Bridge palm of left hand with index-finger of right. (Macgowau.) 

Draw the extended right hand, fingers joined, across the left wrist as 
if cutting it. [Arupaho I.) 

Place the extended index at the right side of the nose, where it joins 
the face, the ti^i reaching as high as the forehead, and close to the inner 
corner of the eye. This position makes the thumb of the right hand rest 
upon the chin, while tlie index is perpendicular. (<S'rtc, Fox, and Kiclca- 
poo I.) It is considered that this sign, though given to the collaborator 
as expressed, Mas an error. It applies to the Southern Arapahos. 

As though sawing through the left forearm at its middle, with the 
edge of the right held back outward, tiiuml) upward. Sign made at the 
left side of the body. {Iktlota I.) "Same sign as for a !«ian'. The 
Cheyenne Indians are known to the Sioux by the name of 'The Saws.'" 

Right-hand fingers and thumb extended and joined (as in S), outer 
edge do^^^lward, and drawn sharply across the other fingers and fore- 
arm as if cutting with a knife. {Dakota III.) 

Draw the extended right iudex or the ulnar (inner) edge of the opened 
right hand several times across the base of the extended left index, or 
across the left forearm at different heights from left to right. [Dakota 
IV.) " Because their arms are marked with scars from cuts which they 
make as offerings to si)irits." 

Draw the extended iudex several times across the extended forefinger 
from the tip toward the palm, the latter pointing forward and slightly 
toward the right. From the custom of striping arms transversely with 
colors. {Kaiowal; Vomanche II, III ; Apache II; Ute I; Wichita II.) 



299 

Another: Make the sisu for Do^' and that for To Kal. This sign 
is generally used, but the other and more coinnion one is also enii)loyed, 
especially so with individuals not fully conversant with the sign-lan- 
guage as employed by the Oomanclies, .Src. {Kaioira 1 ; Comanche HI : 
Apache II ; Wichita II.) "Dog-eaters." 

Draw the extended index across the back of the left hand and arm as 
if cutting it. The index does not touch the arm as in signs given for 
the same tribe by other Indians, liiit is lidd ;it least four <ir live inches 
from it. (Shonhoni and Banak I.) 

Chippeway. See OJihna. 

Conianclie. 

Imitate, by the waving of the hand or forefinger, the forward <'ra\vling 
motion of a snake. {Burton, also lilacl.more in introduction to hodt/e'n 
Plains of the Great West, p. xxv. New York, 1.S77.) The same sign is 
used for the Shoshoni, more comnioidy calle<l "Snake"' Indians, who as 
well as the Comanche belong to the Numa linguistic family. "The 
silent stealth of the tribe." (Tliirty Years of Army Life on the I'.ordcr- 
By Col. II. B. Marcy, ]>. 3.3. Xew York, ISGG.) But see Klio<>lioiii 
for distinction between tlie signs. 

Motion of a snake. (Macgoiran.) 

Hold the elbow of the right arm ni'ar tlie right siile, but not totu'hing 
it; extend the forearm and hand, i)alin inward, fingers joined on a level 
with the elbow, then witli a shoulilcr nioxement draw that forearm and 
hand back until the points of the fingers are behind the body; at the 
same time that the hand is tlius being moved back, turn it right and 
left several times. [Sac, Fo,r, a ml Kicknpoo I.) "Snake in the jrass. 
A snake di-awing itself back in tiie grass instead of crossing the road in 
front of you." 

Another: The sign by, and for the Coinanches themselves is made 
by holding l)oth hands and arms upward from tlie elbow, both palms 
inward, and passing botli hands with their backs upward along the 
lower end of the hair to indicate i«n<j hair, as they never cut it. ('Sac, 
Fox, and Kiclapoo I.) 

Eight hand horizontal, tiat, palm downward ("\V), advanced to the 
front by a motion to represent the crawling of a snake. [Dakota 111.) 

Extend the closed right hand to the front and left; extend the index, 
palm down, and rotate from side to side while drawing it back to the 
fight hip. [Kaioical; Comanche HI ; Apache II; Wichita II.) 

Make the reverse gesture for iiiliOMliOiii. /. e., begin away from the 
body, drawing the hand back to the side of the right hii> while rotating 
it. [Comanche II.) 



300 

Cree. KiiiMleiio. Kri^iteneaiix. 

Si,t;ii for Wn^^-oii and then tlic .siKn foi' ITIaii. (Dalota I.) "Tins 
indicates tlie Red Hiver half-breeds, with their carts, as these people are 
so known from their habit of traveling with carts." 

Dakota. Sioux. 

The edge of the hand |)assed across the throat, as in the act of cutting 
that part. [Loncj ; Mdrc;/, Army Life, loc. cif., p. 33.) 

Draw the lower edge of the hand across the throat. (Burton.) 

Draw the extended right hand across the throat. (Arapoho I.) "The 
cut-throats.'' 

Draw the forefinger of the left liand from right to left across the 
throat. (Xcc, Fo.r, and KicldjMo 1.) "A cut throat." 

Forefinger and thumb of rigiit hand extended (othei's closed) is drawn 
from left to right across the throat as though cutting it. The Dakotas 
have been luuned the " cutthroats" by some of the Tsnrrounding tribes 
{Jhikotd I.) "Gut-throats." 

Eight hand horizontal, flat, palm downward (as in W), and drawn 
across the throat as if cutting with a knife. (Dal-ofa III.) 

Draw the opened right hand, or the right index, from left to right 
horizontally across the throat, back of hand upward, fingers pointing 
toward the left. {Dakota IV.) " It is said that after a battle the Utes 
took uumy Sioux prisoners and cut their throats ; hence the sign "cut- 
throats." 

Pass the flat hand, with the palm down, from left to right across the 
throat. (Ihihttn YI.) 

Draw the extended right hand, palm downward, aci'oss the throat 
from left to right. (Kaiowa I; Comanche II, III; Shoshoni and Banak 
I; Ute I; Apache II; Wichita U.) "Cut-throats." 

Blackfoot (Hihasapa). 

Pass the right hand (|uickly over the right foot from the great toe 
outward, turn the heel as if brushing something therefrom. (Dakota V.) 

Pass the widely separated thumb and index of the right band over the 
lower leg, from just below the knee nearly down to the heel. (Kaiowa 
I; Comanche III: A2)nchcll; Wichita II.) 



301 

Bnile. 

liub tlie iipiter and uiitiT part of tlw ii};iit tliigli in a small circle with 
the opened right hand, tinkers pointing downward. {Dukota IV.) 
"These Indians, it is said, were once caught in a prairie tire, many 
burned to death, and others badly burned about the tliighs. Hence 
the name Si-cau-gu (buint tliigli) and the sign." 

Brush the palm of the liglit liaiid over the rigiit thigli, from near I lie 
buttock toward the front of the middle third of the thigh. {Kaiiiwa 1 ; 
CowdiiiJif ill; Aixichcll; Wichita II.) 

Ogalala. 

Fingers and thnmli separated, straiglit (as in R), and dotted about 
over the face to rei)resent the marlis made by tlie smallpox. {hidoUi 
III.) "This l)and suffered from tlie disease many years ago." 

With the thundi over tlie v\\i\>< of Ilii' lingers, hold the I'igiit hand 
upright, its back foi ward, about six indies in front of the face, or on 
one side of the nose near the face, and suddenly extend and spread all 
the lingers (thumb included). {Ihiholit IV.) "The word l>ii<ilnl<t means 
scattering or throwing at. an<l tiie name was given them, it is said, after 
a row in which they tliiew ashes into each other'.s faces." 

FIntlicail, or Neli<<>li. 

One hand ]ilaced on the toj) ot the head, and the other on the back of 
the head. [Long.) 

Place the right hand to the top of tlie head. {Kiifiiii' I.) 

I'at the right side of the head above and bac-k of the ear with the flat 
right hand. {iShoxhinii aiid lUnuik \.) Vvom the elongation of the 
occi|)ut. 

Fox, or Oiit:ii;aiiii. 

Same sign as for Jiiac {'Sar. For. (tnd Kii-kapon I.) 

Iwroi* Ventre. See HidatKa. 

HidatMa, C>rro!N Venire or ^Tlinifari. 

Both hands tlat and extended, palms toward the body, with the ti]>s 
of the tingers pointing toward one another; jiass from the top of the 
chest downward, outward, and inward toward the groin. {.Ahuaroht I; 
Sli()s1io)ii (111(1 Biintik T.) " IJig belly." 

Left and right hands in front of breast, left placed in jiosition tirst, 
sei)arated about four or live inches, left hand outside of the right, hori- 
zontal, backs outward, lingers extended and iiointiug left and right; 
strike the back of the right against the palm of the left several times, 
and then make the sign for Go, CirOiiiK'o (Dukotn I.) "The (iros 



302 

Ventre ludiaus, Minnetarees (the Hidatsa ladiaus of Matthews), are 
known to the Sioux as the Indians who went to the mountains to kill 
their enemies ; hence the sign." 

Express witli the liand the sign of a big belly. [Dal-ota III.) 

Pass the flat right hand, back forward, from the top of the breast, down- 
ward, outward, and inward to the pubis. {Dakota VI ; Hidatsa I ; 
Arikara I.) " Big belly." 

Indian (generically). 

IJub the back of the extended left hand with the palmar surfaces of 
the extended tingersof the right. (Comanche II.) '' People of the same 
kind; dark skinned." 

Kub tLe back of the left hand with the index of the right. {Pai- Ute I.) 

Pub tlie back of the left hand lightly with the index of the right. 
{Wichita I.) 

Kaiona. 

Make the signs of the Prairie and of Drini^iiig' 'Water. 

{Burton; Blavkmore in Dodge's Plains of the Great West, xxiv. "Sew 
York, 1877.) 

liightliand fingers and thumb extended and joined (as in W), placed 
in front of riglit shoulder, and revolving loosely at the wrist. {Dakota 
III.) 

Phice the flat hand with extended and separated Augers before the 
face, i)ointing forward and ujiward, the wrist near the chin ; pass it 
upward and forward several times. {Kuioica I ; Comanche III ; Apache 
II ; Wichita II.) 

Place the right hand a short distance above the right si^e of the head, 
fingers and thumb sei)arated and extended; shake it rapidly from side 
to side, giving it a slight rotary motion in doing so. {Comanche II.) 
" liattle-brained." 

Same sign as {Comanche II), with the exception that both hands are 
generally used instead of the right one only. ( Ute I.) 

Kiekapoo. 

With tlie thumb and finger go through the motion of cliijping the 
hair over the ear ; then with the hand make a sign that the borders of 
the leggins are wide. {Sac, Fo.r, and Kiekapoo I.) 

Kni!>>teno, or free. 

Place the first and second fingers of the right hand in front of the 
mouth. {Kittine I.) 



303 

Kiitine. 

Place the index or second linger of the right Iiatid on eacli side of the 
left index-linger to imitate riding a liorse. (Kittine I.) 

Hold the left fist, palm npward, at arm's length before tiie body, the 
right as if grasping the bowstring and drawn back. (Shoshoni and 
Bannl- I.) " From their peculiar manner of holding the longbow hori- 
zontally in shooting." 

I^iipaii. 

With the index and second fingers only extended and separated, hold 
the hand at arm's length to the front of the left side: draw it back in 
distinct Jerks; each time the hand rests draw the fingers back against 
the inside of the thumb, and when the hand is again started on the next 
movement backward snap the fingers to full length. This is rejx'ated 
five or six times daring the one movement of the hand. The country 
which the Lipans at one time occupied contained large ponds or lakes, 
and along the shores of these the reptile was found wliich gave them 
this characteristic apiielhition. {Kaiowa 1; Comanche III; A2}ach c il; 
Wichita U.) "Frogs." 

.11 a 11 da II. 

The first and secoud Augers of the right hand extended, separated 
backs outward (other fingers and thumb closed), are drawn from the 
left shoulder obli(iuely downward in front of the body to the right hip, 
{Bal-ofa I.) "The Mandau Indians are known to the Sioux as 'The 
people who wear a scarlet sash, with a train,' in the manner above de- 
scribed." 

ITIexicaii. See Vocabulary. 

iTIiiiitari. Bee Hidatf^a. 

]Vesro. See Vocabulary. 

Since the Vocabulary was printed the following has been received 
from Arapalio and Cheyenne Indians in Washington, as the sign for 
]\e«ro as well as for Vte. Eub the back of the extended flat left hand 
with the extended lingers of the right, then touch some black object. 
Eepresents black skin. Althongb the same sign is generally used to 
signify ]\e§"l'0, an addition is sometimes made as follows: place the 
index and second fingers to the hair on the right side of the head, and 
nib them against each other to signify Curly hair. This addition is 
only made when the connection would cause a confusion between the 
"black skin" Indian (Ute) and negro. 

^ex Percys. See Naliaptiii. 

Place the thumb aud forefinger to the nostrils. [Kutine I.) 



304 

OJihwa, or Chippewa. 

Iiij^ht liaiul liorizoiital, back outwitrd, ttn<^o.rs scparatccl. arcluMl, tips 
l)oiiitiiig' inward, is iiiovimI IVoiii riu'lit to left bioast and ji't'iu'rally over 
the front of the lioily with a trcnihlin;;- motion and at tlie same time a 
sli^iit ontward or forward movement of tlie hand as thouuii drawinj; 
soniethinj;' out of tlie body, and then nialce tlie siyn foriHail. (Dah-otu 1.) 
" rerhajjs the first Chipi)e\va Indian seen by a Sioux had an erui)tion on 
his body, and from that his pei)i)le were ji'iven the name of the 'People 
with a breaking' out," by which name the ('hii)pewas have ever been 
known b.\- the Sioux." 

Owa;;**. or Waw.'i.ji. 

I'lill at the eyebrows over the Icit eye with the tliunib and foretinger 
of the left hand. This sii^n is also used by the Osayes themselves. 
{Sii(\ Fo.v, (I ml l\i<-litj>i)i> I.) 

Hold th(^ tlar iii;ht iiaiid, baclc forward, with the edi;e pointing' back- 
ward, against the side of the head, then make ie[icated cuts, and the 
hand is moved backward toward the occi]uit. (Kuioicd 1; Conianche 
111 ; Apache \ 1 ; Wicliita 11.) " Former custom of shaving the hair from 
the sides of the heail, leaving but an occi|)itol'roiital ridge." 

Pass the flat and extended riglit hand backward o\er the right side 
of the head, moving the index against the second linger in imitation of 
cutting with a pair of scissors. {Comanche II.) " Represents the man- 
ner of removing the hair from the sides of the head, leaving a ridge 
only from the forehead to the occi])ut." 

Oii<a;;:iiiii. 8ee Fox. 

Pai-Utew, Head <'liiel'of' the. 

(irasp the forelock with the right hand, i>alm backward; i)ass the 
hand ui)\vard about six inches, and hold it in that position a moment. 
[I'ai-Utc I.) " Big chief." 

rai-l le hand. Ohiel'or a. 

-Make the gesture as for l*ai-l le. Head Chief, but instead of 

holding the hand above tlie head lay it down over the right temple, 
resting it there a moment. [PmVte I.) " Little chief." 

Paul (Pawnee). 

Imitate a wolf's ears with the two forefingers of the right hand ex- 
tended together, upright, on the left side of the head. [Burton.) 

Place a hand on each side of the forehead, with two lingers pointing 
to the front to represent the narrow, sliarj) ears of the wolf. [Maraj, 
Prairie Traveler, /oc. c//., p. lil.j.) 

I'^irst and second lingers of right hand, straight ui)ward and separated, 
remaining tingers and thumb closed (as in ^'), like the ears of a small 
wolf. (Dakota III.) 



305 

Place the closed right to the side of the temple, palm forward, leaving 
the index and second fingers extended and slightly separated, ijointing 
upward. This is ordinarily used, though, to he more explicit, both liands 
may be used. {Kniowal; Comanchelll; Utc I; Apache II; ^Vicllit(l II.) 

Extend the index and second fingers of the riglit hand upward from 
the right side of the head. {Comanche II.) 

Peiid d'Oreille, or t'nli<si>el. 

Mal;e the motion of paddling a canoe. {Kiitiiic I.) 

Both fists are held as if grasping a pa<l(lle vertically downward and 
working a canoe. Two strokes are made tni each side of the body from 
tlie side backward. (Shoshoni and Baiink I.) 

Pueblo. 

Place the clinched hand back of the occiput as if grasping the queue, 
then place both fists in front of the right shoulder, rotating them slightly 
to represent a loose mass of an imaginary substauce. Re])r(!seuts the 
large mass of hair tied back of the head. This sign has been obtained 
from Arapaho and CiieyeHue Indians while this pM[)er was passing 
through the press. 

Sac, or Saiiki. 

Pass the extended i>alm of the right hand over the right side of the 
head trom front to back, and the palm of the left hand in tlie same 
manner over the left side of the head. (.SVfc, Fo.i\ and Kirkapiti) I.) 
" Sha vedheaded Indians." 

Sniiaptin, or ^ez Perots. 

Close the right hand, leaving the index straiglit but flexed at right 
angles with the palm; pass it horizontally to the left by and under the 
nose. This sign is made by the Xez Perces for themselves, according 
to Major Haworth. While this paper lias been passing tlirough the 
press information has been received from Arapaho and Cheyeniu> In- 
dians, now in Washington, that this sign is also used to designate the 
Caddos, who practiced the same custom of perforating the uasal septum. 
The same informants also state that the Shawnees are sometimes indi- 
cated by the same sign. [Comanche II.) " Pierced nose." 

Pass the extended index, pointing toward the left, remaining fingers 
and thumb closed, in front of and across the upper lip, just below the 
nose. The second finger is also sometimes extended. (Shoshoni and 
Banak I.) "From the custom of piercing the noses for the reception of 
ornanuMits." The Sahajitin, however, have not had that custom since 
being known to themselves. 

liatslka. See Blackf'eet. 

Selish. See Flathead. 

39 



306 
^iliamiee. See IVeie Perots. 

SliO!«lioiii, or >inake. (Compare Coiiiaiiclie.) 

The forefinger is extended horizontally and passed along forward in 
a serpentine line. [Lonfi.) 

Right hand closed, palm down, placed in front of the right hip; ex- 
tend the index and push it diagonally toward the left front, rotating it 
qnickly from side to side in doing so. [Abmroka I; Hhoshoni and Banak 
I.) "Snake." 

Eight hand, horizontal, flat, palm downward (\%^), advanced to the 
front by a motion to represent the crawling of a snake. {Dalota III. 

With the right index pointing forward, the hand is to be moved for) 
ward about a foot in a sinuous manner, to imitate the crawling of a 
snake. [Dahita IV.) 

Make the motion of a serpent with the right finger. {Kutine I.) 

Place the closed right hand, iialm down, in front of the right hip; 
extend the index, and move forward and toward the left, rotating the 
hand and finger from side to side in doing so. {Kaioira I ; Comanche 
III; Apache II; Wkhita II.) 

Place the closed right hand, palm down, in front of the right hip ; 
extend the index, move it forward and towai'd the left, rotating the 
hand and index in doing so. {Comanche II.) 

Close the right hand, leaving the index only extended and ])ointing 
forward, palm to the left, then move it forward and to the left. The 
rotary motion of the hand does not occur in this, as in the same sign given 
by other tribes for KliOKilioiii or Snake. {Pai-Utc I.) 

Sheei)eater. (Tukuarikai.) 

Both hands, half closed, pass from the top of the ears backward, down- 
ward, and forward, in a curve, to represent a ram's horns ; then, with the 
index only extended and curved, place the hand above and in front of 
the mouth, back toward the face, and pass it downward and backward 
several times. [Shoxhoni and Banak I.) " Sheep," and "to eat." 

Ute. 

"They who live on mountains" have a complicated sign which denotes, 
"living in mountains" and is composed of the signs Sit and iTIoiiiit- 
aill. {Burton.) 

Left hand horizontal, flat, palm downward, and with the fingers of 
the right hand brush the other toward the wrist. {Dakota III.) 

Place the flat and extended left hand at the height of the elbow befoi-e 
the body, iJoiuting to the front and right, i)alui toward the ground; then 



307 

pass the palmai' surface of the flat and extended tinkers of the rifrlit 
hand over the back of the left from near the wrist toward the tips of 
the fingers. {Kaiowa I; CoiikdwIw III; Apache 11; Wicliitiill.) "Tliose 
wJio use sinew for sewini;-, and for stren,i;tlicniii.i;- the Itow." 

Indicate the color RIaoL', then separate tiit^ thumbs and forelingers 
of both hands as far as i>ossil)h>, leaviiij; tlie reniaininji lingers chised, 
and pass upward over tlie lower jtart of tiu-U'jiS. (Slio.slioin (Did liaiKik 
I.) " Bhick or (hirk leggings." 

^Vnriii Mpriii;;: Apache. 

Hand eurve<l (Y, more tiexcd) and laid on its bade on top of the foot 
{inoccanins mucli ciirrrd iqi at tm-) ; then draw hands up legs to near 
knee, and cut off with edges of hands (/loo/ /o/(,v). (.l/n((7/r 1 1 1.) "Those 
who wear booted moccasins witli tuMiui> toes." 

Wa^ija. See Oi«a;;t'. 

IVIiite III.1II ; Aiiicrioan. See Vocaiulakv. 

WivUitn. 

Indicate a circle over the ujijier ixirtion of tlie riglit cheek, with the 
index or several lingers of the right liand. The statement of the Indian 
authorities for the above is that years ago the Wiclnta women jjainted 
spiral lines on the breasts, starting at the nijiple and extending several 
inches from it ; but after an increase in modesty or a change in the npi)er 
garment, by which the breast ceased to be exposed, the cheek has beiui 
adopted as the locality for the sign. (Kaiowa I; Comanche III; Apache 
II; Wichita 11.) 

WyaiKlot. 

Pass the flat right hand from the top of the forehead liadcward over 
the head and downward and backward as far as the length of the arm. 
{Wi/(uidot I.) " From the manner of wearing the hair." 



PROPER NAMES, PHRASES, 
DIALOGUES, ETC. 



PROPER NAMES. 

Presi«leiii ol' the lliiifed dilates; Secretary ol' the In- 
terior. 

Close the right hand, leaving the tluiinb and index fully extended 
and separated ; place the index o\'er the forehead so that the thumb 
points to the right, paliu toward the face; then draw the index across 
the forehead toward the right; then elevate the extended index, point- 
ing upward before the slioulder or neck; pass it upward as high as 
the to)) of the head ; make a short turn toward the front and pass it 
pointing downward toward the ground, to a j)oint farther to the front 
and a littlelower than at the beginning. [Abmroka 1; Dakota VI, VII; 
Shoxhtini and Banak I; Ute I; Ai)aclie I.) "White [man] chief." 

Make the same signs for ^Vhite man and Chief, and conclude 
by making that for Parent by collecting the fingers and thumb of 
the right hand nearly to a point and drawing them forward from the 
left breast. {Kaioica I; Comanche III; Aiyache II; Wichita H.) ""White 
man; cliief; father." 

^VaMiiin;:'ton. City oT. 

Tlie sign for <,io ; the sign for Hoii!«e or 'Wis'n'aiii ; the sign for 
Cars, and the sign for CoiiHi'ii. The sign for Father is briefly 
executed by i)assing the open hand down and from the loins, then bring- 
ing it erect Ijefore the body ; then the sign for Cars, combined of CrO 
and Waii'on, malcing with the mouth the noise of an engine; the 
hands then raised before the eyes and a])proximated at points, as in the 
sign for House; then diverge to indicate Extensive; this being 
followed by the sign for Coiiiieii. (Oto and Missouri I.) " The home 
of our fathers, where we go on the puffing wagon to council." 

iTIissoiiri River. 

]Make the sign for "%Vater and tlie sign for I^arg'e, and then rapidly 
rotate the right hand from right to left several times, its back upward, 
lingers spread and pointing forward to show that it is stirred up or muddy. 
{Dakota IV.) 

ao.s 



309 

Ea^ie Bull (a Dakota cliief). 

Place the clinclied fists to either side of tlie head ; then extend the 
left hand, flat, palm down, before the left side, tinkers pointing forward ; 
the outer edge of the flat and extended right hand is then laid trans- 
versely across the back of the left hand, and slid forward over the fingers. 
{Dnlota VI; Aril-nra I.) "P.nll and eagle — ^ Ilaliactioi leucovephalm, 
[Linn.) Sav:'' 

Rii!>>liiii;;' Bfar (a Dakota chief). 

Place the right fist in front of tlie right side of the breast, i)alni down ; 
extend and cnrve the tluunh and little finger so that their tips point 
toward one another before the knuckles of the remaining closed fingers, 
then reach forward a short distance and i)all toward the body several 
times rather (luickly; suddenly piisli the fist, in this form, forward to 
arm's length twice. {Itaknta VI; Aril;ara\.) ''Bear and rusliini;."' 

M|»ot((Ml Tail (a Dakota clncf). 

With the index only of the right hand extended, indicate a line or 
cnr\e from the sacrum (or from the right buttock) downward, backward, 
and outward toward the left; then extend the left forefinger, jjoiuting 
forward from the left side, and with the extended index draw imaginary 
lines transversely across the left forefinger. (Abmroka I; Slto.slioni I; 
J>akotayi,VlI; Arihira l.) "Tail; spotted." 

Kliiiiibiiii;:' Bear (a Kaiowa cliicf). 

Place the right fist in front of the right side of the breast, palm ddwu ; 
exteinl and curve the thumb and little fin'ger so that their ti[ts point 
toward one another before the knuckles of the remaining closed fingers; 
then place the left flat han<l edgewise before the breast, pointing to the 
right; hold the right hand flat pointing down nearer the body ; move 
it forward toward the left, so that the right-hand fingers strike the left 
palm and fall downward beyond the left. {Knioica I.) "Bear; stumble 
or stumbling." 

Swilt Riiiiiier (a Dakota Indian). 

Place the right hand in front of the right side, palm down ; close all 
the fingers excepting the index, which is slightly curved, pointing for- 
ward ; then push the hand forward to arm's length twice, very quickly. 
{Dakota VI; Arikara I.) " Man running rapidly or swiftly." 

Wild Borse (a Comanche chief). 

Place the extended and separated index and second fingers of the 
right hand astraddle the extended forefinger of the left hand. With 
the right hand loosely extended, held as fiigh as and nearly at arm's 
length before the shoulder, make several cuts downward and toward the 
left. {Comanche 111.) " Prairie or wild horse." 



no 



PHRASES. 

\%'liere im your mother ! 

After pliiciiig the index into the mouth {mother), point the index at 
the individual addressed {your); then separate and extend tlie index and 
second fingers of the right hand ; hohl them, i)ointiug forward, about 
twelve or fifteen inches before the face, and move them from side to side, 
eyes following the same direction {I see); then throw the flat right hand 
in a short cur\'e outward to the right until the back points toward the 
ground {not), and look iminiringly at the individual addressed. ( Ute I.) 
"Mother your I see not; where is she?" 

Ai*e yoii brave f 

Point to the jicrson and make sign for ICl'nve, at same time looking 
with an incpiiring expression. {AlisKroka I; ShoKlioni (Old Banak I.) 

ISiKOii, 1 have wliol a. 

]Move the open left hand (piilni to the front) toward the left and away 
from the body slowly (motion of the buffalo when chased). 3Iove right 
hand on wrist as axis, rai)idly (man on pony chasing buffalo); then ex- 
tend left hand to the left, draw right arm as if drawing a bow, snap the 
forefinger and middle finger of left liand, and thrust the right forelinger 
over the lelt hand. {Oiiialid I.) 

Ifoii ;;ave ii<>> iiiaiiy elollie^, hut we don't want them. 

Lean forward, and, holding the hands concavo-convex, draw them up 
over the limbs severally, then cross on the chest as wrapping a blanket. 
The arms are then extended before the body, with the hands in type- 
])osition (W), to a height indicating a large pile. The right hand then 
sweeps outward, showing a negative state of mind. The index of right 
hand finally touches the chest of the second party and approaches the 
body, in position (I), horizontal. {Otoniul Missouri I.) "Something to 
put on that I don't want from you." 

Question. 

Hold the extended and tiattened right hand, palm forward, at the 
height of tiie shoulder or face, and about fifteen inches from it, .shaking 
the hand from side to side (at the wrist) as the arm is slightly raised, 
resembling the outline of an interrogation mark (?) made from below 
upward. {Ahsarohi I; 7>«7,of« V, VI, VII ; Hidatsal; Kaiowa I; An- 
kara I; Comanche II, III; raiUte 1; IShoshoni and Banalc I; TJte I; 
Apache I, II; Wichita II.) 

What? What is it? 



First attra(;t the person's notice by the sign for Attention, and 

then the right-hand, fingers extended, pointing forward or outward, fin- 



311 

gers joined, &(•., horizontal, is ('amcd outward. obli((iiely in front of the 
rijilit breast, and there turned i)artiall.v ovei' and under s(^veral times. 
[IhikofK I.) 

What are yon (h)inf;' '. What (h> vou want? 



Tlirow the right iiand about a foot from risiht to left several times, 
describin.n' an are ni)\vard. ])alm inward, finders sli.nlitly bent and sejjar- 
ated, and pointinj;' forward. (I>((k<tta V\.) 

Wliat are you ? /. c, Wliat tribe do you belong' to i 



Shake the upright oiiened right hand four to eight inches from side 
to side a few times, from twelve to eighteen inches in front of tln^ chin, 
the ]>n]m forward, tingers relaxed and a little sejiarated. (Ihikutu W.) 

I'lace the tlat right hand at sonu^ distance in front of iind as high as 
the shoulder, palm forward and downward, then shake the hand from 
side to side, i)assing it slightly foiward and npwar<l at the same time. 
{DdloU, VII.) 

Pass the right hand from left to right across the face. {Kiifiiie I.) 

What do you want? 



The arm is drawn to front of chest and the hand in position (IV 1), 
modified by palms being downward and haml horizontal. From the 
chest center the haiul is then passed spirally forward toward the one 
addressed; the hand's palm liegins the spiral motion with a downward 
and ends in an upward asjiect. (Oto I.) "To unwind or open." 

Who are you ? or, what is your name ? 



The right or left hand approximates close to center of the body; the 
arm is flexed and hand in position (I>), or a little more (closed. From 
ineei»tion of sign near center of body the hand slowly describes the arc 
of a quadrant, and fingers unfold as the hand n^eedes. ^Ve tiiink the 
proper intention is, for the inception of sign to be located at the 
heart, but it is seldom truly, anatomically thus located. (Olo I.) "To 
unfold one's self or make known." 

Are vou through ? 



With arms hanging at the side and forearms horizontal, ])lace the fists 
near each other in front of body; then with a quick motion separate 
them as though breaking something asuiuler. (Sahaplin I.) 

Do you know ? 



Shake the right hand in front of the face, a little to the right, the 
whole arm elevated so as to throw the hand even with the face, and the 
forearm standing almost perpendicular. Principal motion with hand, 
slight motion of forearm, ])alm out. (Sah(([itin I.) 



312 



How far is it ? 



Sign tor Do yoii know? followed with a precise luoveineut throw- 
ing right luind (i)alui toward face) to a position as far from body as 
convenient, signifying "far?"; then with the same quick, precise mo- 
tion, bring the hand to a position near the face — near? (Sahuiitin I.) 

How will vou go — horseback or in wagon? 



First make the sign lor I>o yon know? then throw right hand 
forward — "go or going,"; then throw fore and middle tingers of right 
astride the forefinger of the left hand, signifying, "will you ride?"; 
then swing the forefingers of each hand around each other, sign of wheel 
running, signifying, "or will you go in wagon?" [Saluipthi I.) 



DIALOGUES, ETC. 

The following cou^'crsation took place at Washington, in April, ISSO, 
between Tendoy, chief of the Shoshoni and Banak Indians of Idalio, and 
HuERiTO, one of the Apache chiefs from Xew Mexico, in the presence 
of Dr. W. J. Hoffman. Neither of these Indians spoke any language 
known to the other, or had ever met or heard of one another before that 
occasion : 

HuERiTO.— AVIio are yon I 

Place the flat and extended right hand, palm forward, about twelve 
inches in front of and as high as the shouUler, then shake the hand 
from side to side as it is moved forward and upward — question, who 
are you ? 

Tendoy. — !SliO!<lioiii oliicl'. 

Place the closed right hand near the right hip, leaving the index 
only extended, palm down ; then pass the hand toward the front and 
left, rotating the hand from side to side — Shashoni; then place the 
closed liaiul, with the index extended and pointing upward, near the 
right cheek, pass it upward as high as the head, then turn it forward 
and downward toward the ground, termiiuitiug with the movement a 
little below the initial point — chief. 

HuERiTO. — How old are you ? 

Clinch both hands and cross the forearms before the breast with a 
trembling motion — eolil — n-inters, years; then elevate the left hand as 
high as the neck and about twelve or fifteen inches before it, palm to- 
ward the face, with fingers extended and pointing upward ; then, with 
the index, turn down one finger after another slowly, beginning at the 
little finger, until three or four are folded against the i)alm, and look in- 
quiringly at the person addressed — how many. 



Tendoy.— Fi n y-«ix. 

Close and I'xteiRl the lingers and rliuiiilis dI' both liands, witli tlie 
palms forward, five times— /(/7(/ .- ihcn cxt.'nd the fingers and fliund) of 
the left hand, close the right, and place the extended thiunh alongside 
of and near the left thninli — xix. 

HuERiTO.— Very wfJI. Vrv IIhim- any iHiflhln in y«uir 

('(Mill try ; 

Place the tlai right hand, jtoinling to the Icit, with the p.dni down? 
against the lireast-i)i)ne: ihen move it forward and slightly to tiie right 
and in a cnr\e npward: make the gestnrc lather slowly and nearly to 
arm's length (otherwise, /. e., if made iiastily and lint a sliort distance, 
it would only mean i/ood) — n-rt/ </i>od ; place lioth closed hands to their 
respective sides of the head, palms toward the hair, leaving the forclin- 
gerscurved—/<«/f ((/«,• then reach out tiic fist to arm's length toward the 
west, and throw it forcibly toward the ground for a distance of al)ont 
six inches, edge downward — coHntry, (ticdi/ to the west; then i)oint the 
carved index rather (inicKly and carelessly toward the jicrsoii ad- 
dressed — yoKr. 

Tendoy.— Tej< ; many black luiliaio. 

Pass the closed right hand. \\ ith the index partly tiexeil, to a posi- 
tion about eight inches before the right collarbone, and, as the hand 
reaches that elevation, quickly close the index — ym ; then make the 
same sign as in the jireceding (piestion for b>(ff'<ilo ; touch tlie hair on 
the right side of the head with the jialins of the extended fingers of 
the right hand— /*^/(7,- ; spread the curved lingers and thumb- of both 
haiuls, place them bidbre either thigh, iiointing downward; then diaw 
them toward one another and upward as high as the stonnu'h. so that 
the fingers will ])oint toward one another, or may be interlace<l — mmiy. 

Tendov. — Did yoii iiear anyfiiiii;u tVoiii tlie ^iecrelary f 

li* !<o, l(*IE inc. 

Close the right hand, leaving the index and thumb widely sejiarated; 
pass it by the ear from the back of the car downward and toward the 
chin, palm toward the head — licur ; ])oint to the individual addressed — 
yoK ; close the hand again, leaving the ind<'\ and tinunb separated 
as in the sign for Ileal' and jilacing the palmar surface of the finger 
horizontally across the forehead, pointing to the left, allow the thumb 
to rest against the right temi)le; then draw the index across the fore- 
head from left to right, leaving the thumb touching the head — irliite 
man; then place the closed hand, with elevated index, before the right 
siile of the neck or in front of the top of the shoulder; ]>ass the in- 
dex, pointing up'vard, as high as the top of the head; turn it forward 
and downward as far as the breast — chief; i>ass the extended index, 
Iiointing ui)ward and forward, forward from the mouth twice — talk; 
■40 



314 

then ()))cii and Hatteii the hand, palm up, outer edge toward the face, 
phice it about tifteeii inches in front of the chin, and draw it liorizontally 
inward until tlie hand nearly touches the neck — tell me. 

UuERiTO. — He lold me that in Ibiir <lnyw I noiilcl ^o to 

my eoiiiitry. 

Close the light hand, leaving the index cnrved ; place it about six 
inches from the ear and move it in toward the external ineatns — 
told me ; with th(; right hand still closed, form acircle with the index 
and thumb by allowing their tips to touch; pass the hand from east 
to west at arm's haigth — (hit/; ])lace the left hand before the breast, 
the fingers extended, and the thumb resting against the pahu, back 
forward, and, with the index, turn <h)wn one finger after another, 
beginning ;it the little finger— ;/()«/■; touch the breast with the tips of 
the finger and thumb of the left hand collected to a point; drop the 
hand a short distance and move it forward to ai-tn's length and slightly 
upward until it points above the horizon — /, go to* ; then, as the arm is 
extended, throw the fist edgewise toward the ground — my .country. 

Texdoy. — 111 two dav!* I so to my eoiiiitry just as you 
SO to yours. I s;o to mine w lie re tiiere is a si'("tt 
deal of snow, and we siiali see eaeii otiier no more. 

I'lace the flat bauds, horizontally, about two feet ajjart, move them 
quickly in an upward curve toward' one another until the right lies 
across the left — night; rejjcat this sign — fico »////(/.s> (literally, two sleeps 
hcnee); point toward the individual addressed with the right hand — 
you; and in a continuous movement jiass the hand to the right, /. e., 
toward the south, nearly to arm's length — f/o ; then throw the fist edge- 
wise toward the ground at that distance — your country ; then touch the 
breast with the tips of the fingers of the left hand — /; move the hand 
off slowly toward the left, /. e., towaid the north, to arm's length — yo 
to*; and throw the clinched hand toward the ground — my country; 
then hold both hands toward the left as high as the head, palms down, 
with fingers and thumbs pendent and separated; move them toward 
the ground two or three rimes — rain ; then i)lace the flat hands hori- 
zontally to the left of the body about two feet from the ground — decji ; 
(liteially, deep rain) .snow — and raise them until about three feet fi'om 
the ground — very deep — much; place the hands before .the body about 
twelve inches apart, i)alms down, with forefingers only exteuded aud 
lK)inting toward one another; push them toward and from one another 
several times — see each other; then hold the flat right hand in front of 
the breast, pointing forward, i)alm to the left, and throw it over on its 
back toward the right — not, no more. 

Kxi>LANATORY NoTE. — AVhere the asterisks appear in the above dia- 
logue the preposition to is included in the gestui-e. After touching the 
breast for /, the slow movement forward signifies going to, and country 



815 

is .sifjiiified hy locMtiiiji" it at arm's Icii-tli toward llic west, to t lie left 
of tlie jiVstiirtT, as tlie st()i)|>iiiL;- place, also iioasr.ssion by tlic cliiiclicd 
flst lK'iii.n(lirc(!t('(l toward the t;roiiiid. It is the same as tor mi/ov mine, 
though made before tiie body in the hitt(H' signs. The direction ol'l'en- 
(hiv's hands, tirst to tlie soutli and aftcrwaid to the north, was nnder- 
stooil not as |)ointiug to the exact locality <>{' the two parts of the 
country, but to tlic ditfcrcncc in thcii- rcspcctj\c clinialcs. 



PATRICIU'S X A K IJATR-E. 

This narrative was obtained in July, ISSO, by ])r. Francis H. A'J'KINS, 
acting assistant surgeon, United States Army, at South Fork, New. 
Mexico, from Ti-pe-BES-TLEL (Sheepskin-leggings), habitually called 
Patricio, an intelligent young Mes('alero At)aehe. It gives an account 
of what is locally termed the "A}>ril Uound-up," which was the disarm- 
ing and im])risoning by a cavalry command of the Ihiited States Army, 
of the small Apache subtribe to whit-h the narrator belonged. The ref- 
erences to signs not described are to the contributions of Dr. Atkins, 
marked in the Vocabulary {Aparlic III). 

(1) Left hand on edge, cnrved, palm forward, extended backward 
length of arm toward the West {far ircsficdri]). 

(2) Arms same, turned hand. ti[>s down, and moved it from north to 
south (river). 

(3) Dipped same hand several times above and beyond last line (be- 
j/ond). 

(4) Hand carved (Y, more flexed) and laid on its back on to]) of his 
foot (moeeasiihs much curved up at toe) ; then drew hands up legs to near 
knee, and cuts off with edges of hands (ixuit tnpts). (Warm Sjiriiif/ 
AjMchefi, who wear booted moccasins with turnup toes.) 

(.5) Hands held before him, tips near together, fingers gathered (U) ; 
then alternately opened and gathered fingers of both hands (P to \\ U 
to P), and thrusting them toward each other a few times (xhot or 
li-iUefJ mauy). 

((!) TIeld hands six inches from side of head, tiiumlis and foretiiigers 
\Yidely separated (Mexican, i. c., wears a broad hat). 

(7) Held right hand on edge, paliu toward him, threw it on its back, 
forward and downward sharply toward earth (T on edge to X), (dead, 
so many dead). 

(8) Put thumbs to temples and indices forward, meeting in liont, 
other fingers closed (soldier.f, i. e., cap-vixor.) 

('.)) Kepeated No. 5 and No. 7 (icerealso .'iliot dead). 

(10) Placed first and second lingers of right hand (others closed) 
astride of left incUix, held horizontally (hor.ses). 

(11) Held hands on edge and forward (T on edge forward), jiushed 
them forward, waving vertically (mnrehin/j, which see; also, travel or 



316 

fight, i. c, ran of with soldicr.s' horses or others). N. B. — Using both 
liands indicates double ranks of troops marcliinf; also. 

(12) Struck light fist across in front of chin from right to left sharply 
(had). 

(l.'J) Eepeated No. 4 {War in f!priii<i Apache). 

(14) Moved list, thumb to head, from center of forehead to right tem- 
ple and a little backward (fool). 

(l.T) Repeated Xo. S and No. 11 [soldiers riding in double column). 
(1(5) Thrust right hand down over and beyond left, both palms down 
(W) {came here). 

(17) Kepeated No. 8 (soldier). 

(15) Touched hair (hair). 

(IIM Touched tent ((/nite white). 

(20) Touched toji of shoulder (commissioned officer, i. c., shoulder- 
stra2)s). 

(21) Thrust both hands up high (hif/h rani;). 

(22) Kight forehuger to forehead; waved it about in front of face and 
rolled head about (primarily fool, but qualified in this case by the inter- 
preter as no suhc much). 

(23) Drew hands up his thighs and body and pointed to himself 
[Mescalero Indian, q. v.). 

(24) Approximated hands before lum, ])alms down, with thumbs and 
indices widely separated, as if inclosing a circle (captured, i. e., corralled, 
surrounded). 

(2.j) Placed tips of hands together, wrists apart, held them erect (T, 
both hands inclined), (house ; in this case the agency). 

(26) Threw both hands, palms back, forward and downward, moving 
from knuckles (raetacarpo-idialangeal Joint) onlj', several times (issninf/ 
rations). 

(27) Thrust two fingers (]\) toward mouth and downward (food). 

(28) Repeated No. 25 (house) ; outlined a hemisjdierical object (wick-i- 
up); repeated these several times, bringing the hands witli emphasis 
several times down toward the earth (village permanently here). 

(20) Rei)eated No. 25 several times and pointed to a neighboring- 
hillside (village over there). 

CM)) Repeated Nos. 17 to 21, inclusive (Oeneral X). 

(31) Thrust two fingers forward from his eyes (primarily I see ; also 
I saw, or there were). 

(32) Repeated No. 11 (toward said hillside), (troops went over there with 
General X). 

(33) Eepeated No. 4, adding swejit indices around head and touched 
red i)a|)ei' on a tobacco wrapper (San Carlos Apaches, scouts especially 
distinguished l)y wearing a red fillet about the head ); also added, drew 
indices across each cheek from nose outward (were much painted). 

(34) Repeated No. 24 and No. 23 (to capture the Mescalero Indians). 

(35) Rei)eated No. 31 (there were). 



317 

(30) Repeated No. 33 (San Carlos scont.-i). 

(37) Rei)eate(l No. 8 [and solrllers). 

(38) Clasped his hands effusively before his breast, {.so maiii/ .' i. e., a 
great many). 

(3!») Repeated Xo. 31 (7 mir). 

(40) Repeated No. 23 {my people). 

(41) Brought tists together under chin, and liugged liis aims (•h)se, to 
bis breast, with a shrinking motion of body {afraid). 

(42) Struck otf half of left index with right index {half, or a portion), 

(43) Waved off laterally and upward witli both liaiids briskly {fed). 

(44) Projected circled right tiuinib and index to eastern horizon, thence 
to zenith {next mornin<j, i. e., sunrise to noon). 

(45) Repeated No. 23 (the Menealerox). 

(40) Held hands in position of ainiing a gun — left obli(iue — {.shoot). 

(47) Waved right index 'briskly before right shoulder {no, did not; 
nei/ation). 

(4S) 8wei)t his baud from behind forward, palm up (\) {the others 
v((iiie). 

(4!t) Repeated No. 5 {and .shot). 

(50) Repeated No. 23 {the Me.sealero.s). 

(51) Repeated No. 7 {many dead). 

(52) Repeated No. 8 {.soldier.s). 

(53) Repeated No. 10 {horse, mounted). 

(54) Hand forward, ])abn down {W} moved forward and u]> and down 
{icalkiny, i. e., infantry). 

(55) Beckoned with right hand, two fingers curved (H^ horizontal and 
(uirved) {eame). 

(5(i) Repeated No. 11 {inarehin;/). 

(57) Repeated No. 28 {to thi.s eamp, or rilhuie). 

(58) Repeated No. 23 {n'ith Mexmleros). 

(50) Repeated No. 24 {as prisoners, surronnded). 

(00) Repeated No. .3.'! (iSVn* C((rlns sront.s). 

((!1) Placed hands, sitread out (R inverted), tips down, aliout waist 
{many eartridye.s). 

(02) Repeated No. 4(! {and f/inis). 

(03) Repeated No. 5 {shot many). 

(04) Repeated No. 4 ( Warm Spring Apaehe.s). 

(05) Repeated No. 23 {and. Mescalcros). 

(00) Moved list — tliTimbs to liead — across his forehead from right to 
left, and cast it toward earth over left shoulder {brave, i. c., the San Car- 
los scouts are hrare). 

CONTINUOrS TRANSLATION OP THE ABOVE. 

Far westward beyond the Rio Grande are tlieWarm Spring Apaches, 
who killed many ^Mexicans and soldiers and stole tlieir horses. They 
(the United States soldiers) are bad and fools. 



ais 

Some (cavalry came, here iiiidei' an aued officer of higli rank, but of 
inferior intelli.ineiice, to capture the Mescalero Iiuliaiis. 

Tlie Mescaleros wished to have their village peruiaueutly liere by the 
agency, aiul to receive their rations, i. e., were peacefully inclined. 

Our village was over there. I saw the general come with troo])s and 
San Carlos scouts to surround (or capture) the Mescalero Jrulians. There 
were a great many San Carlos scouts and soldiers. 

I saw that my people were afraid, and half ot tliem fled. 

Next iiiorniMg the Mescaleros did not shoot (were not hostile). The 
otheis came and killed many Mescaleros. The cavalry and infantry 
brought us (the Mescaleros) to this cam]) as ])risi)ners. 

The San (Jarlos scouts were well supplied with ammunition and guns, 
and shot many Warm Spring ludiaus and Mescaleros. 

The San Carlos scouts are brave men. 

TSODIAKO'S REPORT. 

Tlie lolldwiiig statement was made to Dr. W. .J. Hoffman by TsodiIko 
(Slid rid head Bin/), chief of the W'icliitas in Indian Territory, while on 
a visit to Washington, D. C, in June, 1S80. 

The Indian being asked whether there was any timber in his part of 
the Territory, rei)lied in signs as follows: 

(1) Move the right hand, fingers loosely extended, separated and 
pointing u])ward, back to the front, upward from the height of the waist 
to the front of the face— tree; rejieat this two or three times — trees : (2) 
then hold the hand, lingers extended and Joined, i)ointing ui)ward, with 
the back to the front, and jiush it forward toward difiereut points on a 
level with the face — staiKliu;/ at various pl<(ces ; [3] both hands, with 
spread and slightly curved Hngers, are held al)out two feet ai)art, before 
the thighs, palms facing, then draw them toward one another horizon- 
tally and gradually ui)ward unHl the wrists cross, as if grasping a 
bunch of grass and pulling it u]> — many ; (4) point to the southwest 
with the index, elevating it a little above the horizon — countri/ ; (5) 
then throw the list edgewise toward the surface, in that direction — 
mi/, mine: ((>) i)la(;c both hands, extended, flat, edgewise before the 
body, the left below the right, and both edges i)ointiug toward the 
ground a .short distance to the left of the body, then make reiieated 
cuts toward that direction from ditferent i)oiuts, the termination of each 
cut ending at lu^arly tll(^ sam(^ ]Hnnt—ciit down ; (7) hold the left hand 
with the lingers and thumb collected to a point, directed horizontally 
forward, and make several cutting motions with the edge of the flat 
right hand transversely by the tii)s of the left, and upon tlie wrist — cut 
op' the ciiils : (S) then cut upon tlu^ left hand, still held in the same posi- 
tion, with the right, tln^ cuts being jjarallel to the longitudinal axis of 
the i)alm — split ; (it) both hands closed in front of the body, about four 
inches aj)art, with foretingers and thumbs approximating half circles, 



'A 1 <) 

j)aliiis toward the ground, move tliciii forward so tliat the back of the 
band comes forward and the half cindes imitate the iiio\(Mneiit of 
wheels — ivoj/on ; (Id) hold the Ud't tlat hand l)cforc the liody, pointing 
horizontally forward, with the palm down, then bring the right flat 
hand from the right si(b' and slap the |ialni iijton the back of the left 
seveiid times — IokiI upon : (11) partly close tlie right hand as if gi-asi)- 
ing a thick rod, jialiii toward the ground, and pnsh it straight forward 
nearly to arm's length — f((l:c; (12) hold both hands with lingers naturally 
extended and slightly separated nearly at arm's length liefore the body, 
l)alms down, the right lying uiion the left, then i)ass the njijier forward 
and downward from the lelt quickly, so that the wrist of the right is 
raised and the fingers point earthward — tlirmr off; (\:\) cut the left 
l)abn repeatedly with the outer edge of t lit; extended right hand — hidtd ; 
(14) hold both hands edgewise^ l)el'ore the body, ]»alnis fa<-ing, s|)read 
the lingers and place those of one hand into the spaces l)et ween those 
of the left, so that the tips of one protrude beyond the liacks of the 
fingers of (he other — lot/ li<>:is<- ; (\.'>) then place the Hat right hand, 
palm down and fingers pointing to the left, against the breast and luove 
it forward, and slightly upward and to the right — [loocl. 

ANAIASIS Ol' THE l-'OKECiOING. 

[There is| much | timber | [in] my | country | [of which l| cut down 

C-il (l.-Ji (.M (-1) (111 

[somej, I trimmed, | split, | loaded it u|)on | |a| wagon |aiid| | toolc it 

(71 (SI dm i:ii iili 

away, | [where 1] threw [it| otf | [and] bnilt | |a| good | house | . 

(1-1 (i:;i ii:i) (Hi 

Notes. — As will be seen, the wiird liiaihci' is composed of signs Xo. 
1 and 2, signifying iret's !«t.iiidiii;i'. Sign No. '!. for in.iiiy, in this 

instance, as in similar other examples, becomes iiiiu-li. The word in, 
in connection with ooillltrt' and my, is exjiressed by th(! gesture of 
pointing (passing the hand less (piickly thin Iti (jrdinary sign language), 
before making sign No. 5. That sign, <'omiuonly given for |>OK«i(>i>iMi4>ii, 
^vould. without the prefix of imlical imi. imply my <'«Mlllf I'y, and with 
that prefix signifies in my ooiiiif I'v. Sign No. 7, Irimmcd, is in- 
dicated by chopping off the ends, and facial expression denoting i«n<i!>>- 
faction. In sign Nos. 11 and 12, the gestures wei\' continuous, but at 
the termination of the latter the narrator straightened himselt' some- 
what, denoting that he had overcome the greater part of the labor. 
Sign No. 14, denotes Io;;'-Iioiin(> from the manner of interlacing the 
flnger-ends, thns representing the corner of a log-house, and tlit^ ar- 
i-angemeut of the ends of the same. Indinii io(l;;'(' would l>e indi- 
cated by another sign, although the latter is often used as an alibrevia- 
tion for the former, when the subject of conversation is known to all 
present. 



SIGNALS. 



The coll alxn-a tors in the present work have not generally responded to 
the request to coiuiunnicate material under this head. It is, however, 
h()])ed that by now i)riutiug- some extracts from published works and 
the few un])ublislie(l statements recently procured, the attention of ob- 
servers will be directed to the further prosecution of research in this 
direction. 

Tlieterni "signal'' is here used in distinction from the signs noted in the 
VocAiiULAitY, as being some action or manifestation intended to be 
seen at a distance, and not allowing of the minuteness or detail possible 
in close converse. Signals may be executed, tirst, exclusively by bodily 
action; second, by action of the ])erson in connection with objec'ts, such 
as a blanket, or a lance, or in the direction imparted to a horse; third, 
by various devices, such as smoke or (ire-arrows, when the person of the 
signalist is not visilile. Tliey are almost entirely conventional, ami 
while their study has not the same kind of importance as that of gest- 
ure-signs, it possesses some peculiar interest. 

SIGNALS EXECUTED BY BODILY ACTION. 

Some of these will probably be found to be identical, or neai-ly so, with 
the gesture-signs used by the same peoi)le. 

Alarm. See notes on Cheyenne and Arapaho signals. 

Aii;;er. 

Close the liand, place it agaiust the forehead, and turn it back and 
forth while in that position. {Thirty Years of Army Life on the Border, 
by Col. U. n. .Marcy, TJ. S. A., p. 34, Xew York, 1S6(!.) 

Come Ik'im'. 

The right luxud is to be advanced about eighteen inches at the height 
of the navel, horizontal, relaxed, palm downward, thumb in the palm ; 
then draw it near the side and at the same tinu^ drop the hand to bring 
the palm backward. The farther away the person called is, the higher 
the hand is raised. If very far off, the hand is raised high up over the 
head and then swung forward and downward, then bac^kward and down- 
ward to the side. {D((l-otH IV.) 

Iliiii^'cr. (There is something dangerous in that placte.) 

Right iiand iudex-flnger and thumb forming a curve, the other fingers 

320 



321 

closed; move tlu^ riij'lit liaiul forward. i)oiiitiii.u in tin- direction of the 
(laiiii'erous place or auiiiial. [Oiiuiha 1.) 

Kijilit-liaiid index ami middle tiiiL;-ers Dpcn ; imit ion towaid I lie enemy. 
"1 do not fearyon." ileverse tlie motion, brin.uin.i; 1 lie iiand toward tlie 
siihjeef. " Do yonr worst to nie." {(hixdid 1.) 

Direction. Pass around liiat olijeet or place near you — sheilieti- 

dha--a. 
\Vlien a man is at a distance, I say to him '-do around that way." 
Descrihe a curve by raisin^' tin; hand alio e tlif head, ibrefinjier opeu, 
move, to right or left according to direction inti'uded and hand that is 
used, ). c, move to the left, use i-iglit hand ; move to the right, use left 
hand, {(hiiithii I ; I'onkd 1.) 

Halt ! (To inquire disposition.) 

Kaise the right hand with the palm in front and gradually push it 
foi'ward and back several times; if they are not hostile it will at once 
be obeyed. {The rndrir Trarclcr, by i;andol|.h I!. .Marcy, ]). 214, Xew 
York, IS.V.t.) 

Stand there I lie is eoming to you. 

Eight hand extended, tlat, eilgewise, moved downward se\ cral tinu's. 
{Omalin 1.) 

He is going toward von. 



Hold the open right hand, jialin to the left, with the tipsof the lingers 
toward the per.son signaled to; thrust the hand forward in either an 
upward or downward curve. (OmalKi I ; Poiikd I.) 

Lie down fhit where you are (shedliu liis[)('' zha"'-ga). 



Extend the right arm in the direction of the person signaled to, having 
the ])alm down ; move downward by degrees to about the knees. 
Omaha I ; I'onlit J.) 

Peace; Friendship. 

Hold up jialm of hand. — Observed as nu^de by an Indian of the, Kan- 
sas tribe in IS.;.!. (Indiiui Slaicka^, by Johu T. Irving, vol. ii, p. 253, 
Philadelphia, IS.T).) 

Elevate the outstretched hands wide ojx'n and tingers parted above 
and on either side of the liead at arm's length. — Observed by Dr. W. 
J. Hoffman, as made in Xorthern Arizona in 1S71 by the i\IoJav(^ and 
Seviches. " ^oarms" — corresponding with " hands up" of road-agents. 

The right hand held aloft, empty. {My Life on the Phiiii.s, by Oenei-al 
a. A. Custer, p. 23S, New York, 1874.1 
41 



322 

Question. (I do not know you. Whoarej^ou?) 

After lialtinj;' a party coming : Riglit liaiid raised, palm in front and 
slowly moved totlie riglit and left. [Answered by tribal sign] (^Marey's 
Prairie Traveler, loc. cit., 214.) 

To impiire if eomiiij; jiarty is peaceful. 



Raise both hands, grasjied in the manner of shaking hands, or by lock- 
ing the two forefingers firmlj' while the hands are held up. If friendly 
they will respond with the same signal. (Marcy's iV«iw Trareler, loc. 
cit., 214.) 

Whence come you ? 



First the sign for Voii, then tlie hand extended open and drawn to 
the breast, and lastly the sign for Briil$;'ill$;'. (Dioibar.) 

!§iil>iiii*>Mion. 

The United States steamer Saranac in 1S74, cruising in Alaska waters, 
dropped anchor in July, 1.S74, in Freshwater Harbor, back of Sitka, in 
latitude 59° north. An armed party landed at a T'lin kit village de- 
serted by all the inhabitants except one old man and two women, the 
latter seated at the feet of the former. The man was in great fear, 
turned his back and held up his hands as a sign of utter helplessness. 
(Extract from notes kindly furnished by Lieutenant-Commander Wm. 
Bainbridge Iloff, U. S. X., who was senior aid to Kear- Admiral Penuock, 
on the cruise mentioned.) 

Surrender. 

The palm of the hand is held toward the person [to whom the surren- 
der is made]. {Long.) 

SIGNALS IN WHICH OBJECTS ARE USED IN CON- 
NECTION WITH PERSONAL ACTION. 

Buffalo di!«ieovere<l. See also notes on Cheyenne and Arapaho 

signs. 
When the Ponkas or Omahas di.scover buffalo the watcher stands 
erect on the hill, with his face toward the camp, holding his blanket 
with an end in each hand, his arms being stretched out (right and left) 
on a line with shoulders. {Onialia I ; Fonla I.) 

Coiiie : To beciion to :i person. 

Hold out the lower edge of the robe or blanket, then wave it in to the 
legs. This is made when there is a desire to avoid general observation. 
(Matthew.s.) 



823 

Come l>ai*k ! 

(latlicr or .^rasp the left side of the iiubuttoiied coat (or bhxnket) with 
the right liaiid, and, eitlier st;mdiii<>- or sittiii,;;' in i)()sitioii so tiiat the 
sig-ual eau he seen, wave it to the h'ft and rijilit as often as may be 
necessary for the sii;n to be reeognized. WIkmi niide standing the per- 
son shoiihl not move Ids body. {Dalcota I.) 

UauS'er. See also notes on Cheyenne and Arapaho signals. 

Horseman at a distan(!e, galloping, ])assing and re]>assing, and cross- 
ing each other — enemy comes. Jint tin- notice of herd of bnlfaio, tliey 
gallo]) back and forward abreast — do not cross each other. ( \'ieirs of 
Liiinsitiiiii, by H. M. IJrackeni'idge, |). 2.")l), Pittsbnrgli, 1S14.) 

Riding rapidly round in a circle. " Danger! (let together as (piickly 
as possil)le." [The I'luiiix of Ike (I rent West, ^c, by Kicliard Irving 
Dodge, lientenant-colonel Ciiited States Ai-niy, p. ,'i().S, New Vork, 
1877.) 

Discovery of eiieiaicK, or ol* otlicr ii;aiiii' tliuii biiHalo. 

See also notes on Clieyenne and .Vrapaho signals. 
When enemies are discovered, or otiier game than linlfalo, the senti- 
nel waves his blanket over his head n[) and down, holding an end in 
each hand. [Omaha \\ I'onka i.) 

Drill, llilitai-v. 

It is (lone by signals, devised after a system of the Indian's own in- 
vention, and comnumieated in various ways. 

Wonderful as the statement may appear, the signaling on a bright 
day, when the sun is in the proper direction, is done with a piece of 
looking-glass held iu the hollow of the hand. The reflection of the sun's 
rays thrown on the ranks communi(-ates in some mysterious way the 
wishes of the chief. Once standing on a little knoll, overlooking the 
valley of the South Platte, I witnessed almost at my feet a drill of 
about one hundred warriors by a Sioux chief, who sat on his horse on a 
knoll opposite me, and al)Out two hundred yards from his command in 
the plain below. For more than half an hour he commanded a drill, 
which for variety and i)romptness of action could not lie equaled by 
any civilized cavalry of the world. All I could see was an occasional 
movement of the right arm. lie iiimself afterwards told me that he 
u.sed a looking-glass. [Tlw Vhiins of the (Ireat Went, &c., by Richard 
Irving Dodge, lieutenant-colonel United States Army, pp. .'>(I7, 308. 
Kew York, 1877.) 

Half! Stand there ! He iw eoiiiiiii; that nay. 

Grasp the end of the lilanket or robe; wave it downward several 
times. (Omaha I.) 



324 

Peace, coupled with invitation. 

jVIotioii of spieadiiis' a real or imaginary robe or skin on the ground 
Noticed l)y Lewis and Clarlv on their tirst meeting with tlie Slioslioni in 
1805. {Leirin and Ghtrk's Truvvh, &(.'., London, 1817, vol. ii, p. 74.) 

Qiie*>>lioii. 

The ordinary manner of oi)ening commnuication with i)arties known 
or siiiiposed to lie hostile is to ride toward them in zigzag manner, or to 
ride in a eirek'. {My Life on the J'Uiins, &c., by Gen. (1. A. Custer, U. 
S. A., p. 58. New York, 1874.) 

This author mentions (p. 202) a systematic manner of waving a l)lanket, 
by wliich the son of Satana, the Kaiowa chief, conveyed information to 
liim, and a simihir perfornnince by YeMow Hear, a chief of the Arapahos 
(p. 21!t), neitlier of which lie exjilains in detail. 

Safety. .4,11 quiet. See notes on Cheyenne and Arapalio signals. 

SIGNALS MADE WHEN THE PERSON OF THE 
SIGNALIST IS NOT VISIBLE. 

Those noted consist of Siiioke, Fire, or Dnixt signals. 

SMOKE SUJNALS GENERALLY. 

"Their .systems of telegrajihs are very peculiar, and though tliey 
might seem impracticable at first, yet so thoroughly are they understood 
by the savages that it is availed of frequently to immense advantage. 
The most remarkable is by raising smokes, by which many important 
facts are communicated to a considerable distance and made intelligi- 
ble by the numner, size, numlier, or repetition of the smokes, which are 
commonly raised by firing spots of dry grass. When traveling, they 
will also pile heajis of stones upon mounds or conspicuous points, .so ar- 
ranged as to be understood by their passing comrades ; and sometimes 
they set up tlie bleached buffalo heads, which are everywhere scattered 
over those plains, to indicate the direction of their march, and many 
other facts which may be communicated by those simple signs." {('om- 
merve of the Pnnriefi, by Josiah (Iregg, vol. ii, p. 28(3. Xew York, ISU.) 

The highest elevations of hind are .selected as stations from which 
signals with smoke are made. These; can be seen at a distance of from 
twenty to fifty miles. By varying the number of columns of smoke dif- 
ferent meanings are conveyed. The most simple as well as the most 
varied mode, and resembling the telegraphic alphabet, is arranged by 
building a small flie, which is not allowed to blaze ; then by placing an 
armful of partially green grass or weeds over the fire, as if to smother 
it, a dense white smoke is created, which ordinarily will ascend iu a con- 
tinuous vertical column for hundi'eds of feot. Having established a cur- 



rent of siiiiikc, tlic liiili:iM siiii]il\ takes liis blanket ami by .sprcadiiiij it 
over the sinall pile of weeds or grass from wliieli the smoke takes its 
soiiree, and properly eoiitrolliiij;- the edges and comers of the blanket, 
he coiitines the smoke and is in this way able to retain it for se\"eral 
moments. JJy rapidly disidaeing the blanket, the operator is enable<l 
to cause a dense \olame ol' smoke to lise, the lenutli or shortness of 
wliich. as well as the number and fre(pn'ni'y of the columns, he can reg- 
ulate perfectly, simply by a i)roper use of the blanket. {(Ui.sfcr'.s IJfc on 
tlu- J'lainx, loc. cit., ]). 1S7.) 

They gathered an armful of dried grass and weeds, which were jilaced 
and carrieil upon the highest |)oint of the peak, where, everything being 
in readiness, the match was a|>|ilied close to the ground: but the blaze was 
no sooner well lighted and about to eiut'lop the entire amount of grass 
collected than it was snu)thered v\iih the unlighted portion. A slender 
eolninn of gray smoke then began to ascend in a peijiendicnlar <'((lnmn. 
This was not enough, as it might be taken for the snM)ke rising IVoin a 
.simple camp tire. The smoldering grass was then <'overed with a blaid<et, 
the corners of which were held so closely to th(^ ground as to almost 
completely conline and cut ort' the coluinn of smoke. Waiting a few mo- 
ments, until the smoke was beginning toescape from beneath, the blanket 
was suddeidy thrown aside, when a beantiful balloon-shaited (tolnmn 
putt'e(l upward like the white cloud of smoke which attemls the discharge 
of a tield-piece. Again casting the blanket on the pile of grass, the 
coluinn was interrupted as before. and again in due time released, so that 
a succession of elongated, eggsha|)ed pulfs of smoke kept ascending 
toward the sky in the most regular manner. This bead-like column of 
.smoke, considering the height from whi<'li it began to ascend, was visi- 
ble from ])oints on the level jilain titty miles distant. (//<., ]>. I'lT.) 

SMOKt; SIGNALS Ol^ THE Al'ACIIES. 

The following information was obtained by Dr. \V. J. Ildi'ioiAN, 
from the Ai)ache chiefs named on page 15, under the title of Tinnkan, 
Ajmche I : 

The materials used in making smoke of sutlieient density and color 
consist of pine or cedar boughs, leaves and grass, which can nearly 
always be obtained in the regions occupied by the .Vi>aches of Northern 
New Mexico. These Indians state that they employ but three kinds of 
signals, each of which consists of columns of smoke, numbering from one 
to three or more. 

Alarm. 

This signal is made by causing three or more columns of smoke to 
ascend, and signilies danger or the approach of an enemy, and also 
rerpiires the conceutratiou of those who see them. These signals are 
communicated from one camp to another, and the most distant bands 
are guided by their location. The greater the haste desired the greater 



326 

tlie imiiiber of columus ofsinokt'. Tliese are often so hastily made tliat 
tliey may resciiible piiHs of smoke, aud arc caused hy ilirowiiig heaps 
of grass and leaves npoii the eml)ers ayain and aji'ain. 

Attention. 

This signal is generally made by i)r()ducing one continuous column, 
and signilies attention for se\'eral purposes, viz, when a bind had become 
tired of one locality, or the grass may have been consumed by the ponies, 
or some other cause necessitating removal; or vshould an enemy be 
reported, which would n^quire further watching before a decision as to 
future action would be made, the intention or knowledge of anything 
unusual would be cominunicated to neighboring bands by causing one 
cohiinn of smoke to ascend. 

E!«tal>li»hiii('iil of a rningi' ; 4|iiii't ; Mal'ety. 

When a removal of camp has been made, after the signal for Atten- 
tion has been given, and the party have selected a i)lace where they 
propose to reinaiTi until there may be a necessity or desire for Iheir re- 
moxal. two columns of sinoki' are made, to inform their fiiends that 
they proi)ose to remain at tiiat place. Two columns are also made at 
other times during a long-continued residence, to inform the neighbor- 
ing bands that a cam]) still exists, and that all is favoialile and (|uiet. 

FOUEIGX SMOKE «r(t>!ALS. 

The following exanii)les of sino^ve signals in foreign lands are added for 
comparison. 

Miss Haigli, speaking of the Guduchcx of the Canary Islands at the 
time of the Spanish conquest, says: "When an enemy approached, 
they alarnu'd the country by raising a thick smoke or by whistling, 
which was repeated from one to another. This latter method is still in 
use anu)ug the people of Teuerirt'e, aud may be heard at an almost in- 
credible distan(-e." {Tnois. Eth. Soc. Loud, vii, 1809, sec. ser., ])p. ]09, 
110.) 

"The 7iatives have an easy method of telegraphing news to their dis- 
tant friends. When Sir Thomas Mitchell was traveling through Eastern 
Australia he often saw columns of smoke ascending through the trees 
in the foiests, and he soon learned that the natives used the smoke of 
fires for the purpose of making known his movements to their friends. 
Near Jlonnt Frazer he observed a dense column of smoke, and subse- 
quently other smokes arose, extending in a telegraphic line far to the 
south, along the base of the mountains, and thus communicating to the 
natives who might be u])on his route homeward the tidings of his 
return. 

" When Sir Thomas reached Portland Bay he noticed that when a whale 
a))peared in the bay the natives were accustomed to send uj) a column 



of siiiDkc, thus s-ivitit;- timely intiiiialioii to all liir wIimIci-s. It'tlic wluilc 
should he pursued by out', hont's cicw oidy, it iui,i;lit lie takeu ; hut if 
pursued by several, it would probalily lie ruu ashore aud heeonie food 
for the blacks." (Knstcrn Aiisfntll,i, by MaJ. T. L. Mitchell, F. (i. S., 
vol. ii, ]i. L'U.) 

.lardiiH', writing- of the ual i\('s of ( 'ape York, says that a coiiniiiiuica- 
tiou betweeu tile islauders aud tlie ualives of the liiaiulaud is fre(|iient; 
iiud till' rapid uianner in whicli news is eanied from tribe to tribe, to 
fl'reat dislauees, is astouishin^-. I was iiiforuied of the ajiproach of Her 
Majesty's Steamer Salamander, on iier last visit, two days before her 
arrival heie. lutellijicnee is conveyed by means of files made to thiow 
uj) smoke in different forms, aud by messeii<;'ers who iierform jou.i;' aud 
rapid jcuirneys.'' ((^)uoted l)y Smi/th. lor. (v7., vol. 1, p. I.IIJ, iVom Orer- 
haul E.fpcditiiiii, ]). S,~).) 

Messengers in all parts of Australia appear to ha\(' used this mode of 
si,i;ualiu,n-. In Victoria, when travelinji' tlirou.uh the forests, they were 
aeeustomed to raise smoke by tilliuj;' the hollow of a tree with f;re(?n 
bouiihs and settiuj^- tire to the trunk at its base; and in this way, as they 
always selected an elevated position for the fire when they could, their 
luovenuMits were made known. 

When engaji'ed in hiintinj;', when tra\t'liug' on secret expeditions, 
when approaehint;' an eucami)ment, when threatened with daus'ci-, or 
when foes nu'uaced their friends, the natives made signals by raisiuji' ;i 
smoke, aud their lii'cs were liiihted in such a way as to <jive forth 
si.ynals that would be understood by ])e(i|ile of their own tribe anil by 
friendly tribes. They exliil)ited j;reat ability in mananini;' their systciu 
of telegraphy; and in fornu'r times it was not seldom used to the injury 
of the white settlers, who at first had no idea that the thin column of 
smoke risinji' tlironj;h the folia^tjc of the adjacent bush, and jicrhaps 
raised by some feeble old wouum, was an intimation to the warriors to 
advance aud attack the Europeans. [Tlif Ahoriiiiiics of \'ictoyiri, vol. 
i, by R. Brough Smyth, V. L. S., F. (1. S., Assoc. Inst. C F., etc., i)p. 
152, 153.) 

I'lRE AUKOWS. 

"Travelers on the ja'airie have often seen the Imlians throwiui>' up 
signal lights at night, and have wondered how it was done. * * * 
They take off the head of the arrow and dii> the sliat't in gunpowder, 
mixed with glue. * * * The gunjiowder adheres to the wood, aud 
coats it three or four inches from its end to the de|>th of one Ibuith of 
an inch. Chewed bark mixed with dry gunpowder is then fastened to 
the stick, and the arrow is ready for use. When it is to be fired, a 
warrior places it on liis bowstring and draws his bow ready to let it 
fly: the point of the arrow is then lowered, another warrior lights the 
dry bark, and it is shot high in the air. \N'heu it has gone ui) a little 
distance, it bursts out into a flame, aud burns brightly until it falls to 



328 

theKiouu.l. Varic.us nicniiiii-s ;uc Mttacli.'<l to these tire-arrow siniuils. 
Tims, one arrow iiie.aiit, amoiiji- tlie Saiilees, 'Tlie enemy are about' ; 
two arrows from tlie same point, 'Danger'; three, 'C.reat daiifier'; 
many, 'They a IV loo slron.t;, or we are Tallin-- hael; ' ; two arrows sent 
lip at 'the same moment, 'We will attack'; three, 'Soon'; lour, ' Now'; 
if shot .lia;;()nally, 'In that direelion.' These si-nals are eonstantly 
elianj;(Ml, and are always agreed upon when liie party ->oes out or before 
it separates. The Indians send their si;;uals very intellijfently, and 
seldom make inislakes in t.Oe-raphin.-.-aeh other by these silent monitors. 

The amount of information th.'V can eomiuunieate by fires and liurniiif;- 
:irrows is perfectly wondertul. Mvery war party carries with it bundles 
o|- si-nal arrows."' ( lirhlcn. The While Chief; or Tirelee Yenrx among the 
WiM liHlixity oflhr I'hiiii.s, pp. KMi, 107. CinciuTuiti and New York, 1.S71.) 
Willi re-anl to the above, it is i.ossible that while inllueuce has been 
r,.|t in the mode of si.nualint;- as well as in the use of -unpowder, but 
it woidd l)e interesting- to learn ifany Indians ado|ite(l a similar exiiedi- 
cnt before gunpowder was known to them. 

Dl'sr SKINAI.S. 

When any fiameoran enemy is discovered, and shoidd the sentincd 
l)e without ablank.-t,hetlirowsahamllulofdusl up into the air. WIumi 
the Urules attacke.l the I'onkas, in ISTl', they stood on the blulf and 
threw ui> dust. {Omahn I ; I'oiiku 1.) 

Thei-c appears lobe auion.u the Hushmeu a custom of throwing; up^ 
sand or earth into the air when at a distaucc from home and in need o^f 
hell, of some kind from those who were there. (Miss L. 0. Lloyd, ^J/S". 
LeUer, dated July 10, I.SSO, from Charlton House, Mowbray, near Cape 
Town, Africa.) 

NOTl-'.S ON CIIF.VKNNK AND AKArAlTO SIGNALS. 

The followinj;- information was obtained from Wa-I'" {liohfail), Mo- 
iiiNi KMA-itA IT (/>'/;/ Jlor.se), Cheyenne.s, au<l OciuViiis-A {The Mare, 
better known as "Little Haven"), and Ni-UATsn (Left ]Iai,<IU Arapahos, 
chiefs and members of a (lele,!;ation who visited W'ashini;lon, 1). C, in 
Sei)tember, ISSO.in i he interest of their tribes located in Indian Territory : 

A party ()f Indians --oin.u on the war-path leave camp, announcing 
their project to tht; reuiainin^ individuals and infornduf,- neij;-hboring 
friends by .sendiiij>- runners. A party is only systcmati.-ally orjianized 
when several days away from their headquarters, nuhiss circumstances 
should re.pnrc immediate action. The i)ipe-bearers are appointed, who 
precede the party while on the march, carryiui;- the i)ipes, and no one is 
allowed to cross ahead of these indivuluals, or to join the party by riding 
up before the head of the column, as it would endanger the success of 
the expedition. All new arrivals fall in from either side or the rear. 
Upon condiig in sight of any elevations of land likely to aflord a good 
view of the surrounding country the party come to a halt and secrete 



329 

selected, ..Iv.n,... U,st l-.i. ..,„,. "'""; ^' " '"' ''='^ " ^'''-'y '-O" 

i« only .iiscv..., I. :; ,; :v , :;;;:';;;;^ "^'^■" •"'■'•••" •"-■ '-'- 

areh. motion; if ,,0, ,1... ,ii. I, f"; """" "'-•'• ''■^"..v ol,,.,.,. 

-th....si.,..and.iisa,,.a,i, no! .: ' ;;:';V' ^"""'-^ ---to 

i.s ivason to snsiHM.f an ..„..„„. /^ '';--"".s l.-arn.-.l ,l.a, Mht,. 

closdy wa,du..i 1 v ,1,.. ua i ', ' ,"'"' '''" ='" "'"' '""- •"- 

^tiii, si.n„yi,„ »:...,;';. ;,;;;; '■•; -^ ^' -^-" '...• ..,..„. ,0 ,i.. 

W='"'^"t will, ,1,.. ,„i„ |,„„, ,,,""• . " ''^ "'^"'" '•> ^^''^'-I'in^- .1... 
quiet!" ' '""'"' '"'"Hn- t,, ,|j,,.,-t "Jie 

-nt,,-. irtiH-nisnoon:,:,:;;; ;:t:;.T'''^''''='^*''"- '''•''"• 

horizontally fro,,, ri.l,, ,., i,.,', ,,„| : . , ''"'.'^'•"^ -'■^'■^l-> =""! "a v.-d 
cl<'ar snrfac... Jf ,1,, ,,,,„, ':' '^ '"'"" •■'■|'"='>"<ll.v, sl„nvn,K a 

Alarm ,.ynn„.,^,:;j:,;;7;^'-'-'' •'":-'■•' ""'^-■.. n„. 

i« constructed of a l.nnH, J ^^n :.:';;:'.': " 7'" /' "'•'•"'■^"'"' ^^"''■" 

When a war party en..an.,r,;;: a ,;,::":'• '■ 
-00,1 is stnek into the .ronnd, pointin: ,..,;" 7 """'" ''' "'""■" '"' 
a nnnd.er of ents, notches or mV,,. 'l"v<-l-on pnrsucd, with 

•Jays u-hieh the party sp^t' U '■•"•'•■.spondin,. to the nnnd,er of 

present ean.p, sLi^^riho^^!::^:;: ; irr;!'' "• "-"- ••- 

course to he foHowed, and the disfn.e,. '""" ''^"■'>- "'" 

p4rr::^::"::!;;^;-,:7;. ■;:;;■";;:;:;;-..,;..> ...„„,. 

«=;;-™::::;:;r,--;rr::;:r;r-r':'"-™-- 

head; and if o,,,,,,. j, diseo ve.e.^1 t , I . •? " "' '''" ■^'"""''"'■^ •"• 

left to H,ht) a short di'::" l! ii:,;;; ^'-'^ -<' '^..-.i. (fVon. 

maneuver. If a lar-e herd of In . ' ." ."-"-V" "''■■^'•'Vi-s can vi.nv the 

•iuieker ,ait is t,.veM . j;! ^ ':" "; """ '^'^" '"' '"" '"■'•"• ^^ 

of the hunters is desire.! '^ ^''''.v huj^e or haste on the ,, art 

they .ave no ,ou.er .e rX^^-Z^tl^l^i;;''^ '' "" ''' 



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